The Laurel Historical Society will be holding their annual fundraiser soon – this year it’s an Oktoberfest theme! 🍻

Come for beer & wine tastings, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, casino games, and more – $65 gets you all of the above, PLUS $200 in “Fun Bucks” that you can use at the various casino games ♠️(with additional Fun Bucks available for purchase onsite).

There’ll also be raffles, guided beer tastings in the biergarten, stein-holding competition, and pub-style trivia games –>

So order your tickets online and come on down to the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Center on Saturday, October 17 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for a good time and to help a good cause.

(Additional details also available at order link.)

Earlier this year, I connected with Laurel resident Dion Johnson who wrote and directed a documentary film on the critical importance of literacy, especially in marginalized communities. The documentary won an award at a DC film festival and I thought it be a great idea for his hometown to host a viewing as well! – There were some licensing arrangements that needed to be worked out, but I’m happy to report those were recently approved and that the Laurel screening is scheduled for this coming Friday, September 25 at 7 p.m. at the Gude Mansion.

The documentary is titled “Forever Free and the Illiteracy Playbook” its description reads:

Millions of Americans, especially in marginalized communities, struggle with basic literacy, a crisis rooted in generations of educational inequity. This documentary confronts that deliberate reality head on, weaving archival footage, expert insights, and deeply personal stories into a powerful narrative about literacy as a gateway to civic participation, economic mobility, and personal dignity.

Laurel is blessed with so many talented and caring people doing good work to help others – it’s an honor to help highlight their work and I hope you’ll take an opportunity if you can to come out to learn and share with our community on this important topic.

Organized by Laurel’s Multicultural Advisory Committee, this Saturday’s Community and Culture Day promises to be a stellar event!

Come to Emancipation Park this Saturday, September 12 from 2 - 6 p.m. to enjoy great music, parade of flags, food trucks, kids fun, vendors, and more! I recently chatted with Committee Chair Councilwoman Kyla Clark and she shared many of the exciting things they have planned – you won’t want to miss.

Although not required, you can pick up your FREE tickets from Eventbrite, and see the below graphic and City event page for additional details.

What a great way to celebrate the many cultures that make our one Laurel, and look forward to seeing you there! 🎉

On Thursday September 10 at 6 p.m., Laurel Historical Society (LHS) is hosting a free program in remembrance of 9/11 at the Laurel Municipal Center Chambers, featuring guest presenters Wayne Dzwonchyk and Lorraine Brooks. We are inviting residents of Laurel to join in person or virtually and share their own reflections about the event to be captured by LHS and archived for future generations.

Then, on Friday, September 11 at 6 p.m., join the City of Laurel - Government, also located in the Laurel Municipal Center Chambers at 8103 Sandy Spring Road, for a special commemorative program honoring and remembering those we lost on that tragic day.

LHS will also mount a small exhibit, “Laurel Remembers 9/11” at the Laurel Museum from September 4 to September 27, which will feature a book of remembrance signed by residents in the days after 9/11 and again on the 10th anniversary. Visitors will be invited to contribute to the book again for the 25th anniversary and add their reflections on the event looking back 25 years.

It’s the 14th year of this cornerstone Laurel event and you’re invited to a 1-mile Fun Walk, a 5K Run/ Walk, or a Virtual 5K to benefit of University of Maryland’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology-Midtown.

The University of Maryland Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology-Midtown serves children and adults with diabetes in Baltimore City, the surrounding counties and the region, offering the highest quality of care and service to assist people with diabetes in managing the disease and preventing complications. Annually, the Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology sees over 3,000 patients, including those with Type 1, Type 2, or gestational diabetes.

Race time is 8 a.m. and the location is McCullough Field – Register easily and gather additional details from the official event website.

So get your Saturday morning started off on a positive foot, feel the supportive energy of the event crew, and discover a way to help neighbors in need – a triple play! 🙂

Something for the over 21 crowd, Music at the Mansion has been a well-received addition to the City’s activity offerings and makes for a fun night out –

Free live music + food & adult beverages available for purchase, it’s a great way to wind down your week. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at The Mansion (located near DiPietro Center off Rte. 1) and this week’s band features the reggae stylings of Tony Roy & Yard Lynk Bank. Festivities run through 8:30 p.m.

Check out the graphic below for additional details and hope you’ll have an opportunity to come out and enjoy, meet Laurel neighbors, and make new friends!

If you haven’t heard of it before, the Laurel Citizens University (LCU) is a GREAT (and free!) program to get involved in – And it just opened for sign-ups –>

The program gets you ‘behind-the-scenes’ of essentially every facet of the Laurel City government – From hearing direct from Department Directors (like Police and Public Works), to getting insight into the City’s finances, to connecting with the City elected officials (like myself), and learning the myriad of ways you can get involved in whatever areas interest you.

You’re sure to make friends, food is provided, there’s a graduation recognition at the end, and you will feel empowered by what you learn plus have a good time in the process, guaranteed. 🙂

Sessions are held on Thursday nights in October and November, and registration is limited to 20 people – So visit the official Laurel Citizen’s University page for more information and to sign-up and I hope to see you there!

Reminder that the third City Hall in the Park of the season is this Thursday, July 26 at the Greenview Pool Cabana starting at 6:30 p.m.

The event series brings Laurel’s Department Directors and Elected Officials to you each month over the summer at parks all across town.

It’s a great way to receive updates on Laurel, talk directly with City team to answer questions or curiosities you have, share ideas to make Laurel even better, and get to know your neighbors & make new friends. It’s also a good time with snacks, kids activities, and park amenities at hand.

Come on out to enjoy!

(UPDATE 2 Jul 2026: Due to excessive heat forecast, the City has cancelled the parade altogether and push the start times for the Gude Park activities to 6 p.m. – See City Press Release for additional details and celebrate but keep yourselves healthy everyone!)

It’s here! It’s here! 🎇 – The 250th birthday of the United States is right around the corner and I’m super excited to be celebrating with our town here in Laurel!

Thank you to the 4th of July Committee, to all the folks around town adding sparkle to their homes & businesses, and to all the volunteers and vendors helping support our celebration!

Some key details for you on the events ahead:

• The 4th of July parade will begin at 3 p.m. from 4th & Marshall and process down towards Cherry Lane – Sign up to be in the parade, grab a seat early along the route (route map, including closures), and enjoy this long-standing tradition in our town.

• The kiddie carnival starts at 3 p.m. on Mulberry Street (near Lowes), and family fun games start at 4 p.m. at Granville Gude Park (next to Laurel Lakes). Food and goods vendors will also be at the Park.

• Live music kicks into gear at the Park starting at 5 p.m. by returning band Oracle.

• As the skies darken at 8:45 p.m., the Mayor & City Council will welcome all viewers to the big event.

• Then fireworks kick-off at 9:15 p.m.!

More details can be found on 4th of July Committee’s official webpage and Facebook page and the City’s Press Release – Including event rules (like no animals, backpacks, coolers, or alcohol) and road closures.

Can’t wait for the big day to arrive and a hip-hip-hooray to the big 250 day! 😀📜🎆

All fathers in Laurel are invited by Councilman Jeff Mills to the 100 Father’s Day Breakfast on Saturday, June 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Partnership Activity Center.

I’ll be there with others as well to share reflections on fatherhood and to help celebrate the vocation and service of fathers in our community!

See the graphic below for additional details and free sign-up link, also available en español Desayuno de 100 Padres.

June 19 is celebrated annually to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States, marked on the day when Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the Civil War.

The City will be recognizing the holiday this week by:

• Holding a flag raising this Friday, June 19 at 10 a.m. at the Municipal Center, and

• With a wonderful festival on Saturday, June 20 at Emancipation Park (new location) from 4 to 7 p.m. – There’ll be music, cultural exhibitions, amazing vendors, kids activities, and more.

So come on out and help celebrate this important day in American history and meet neighbors from around Laurel doing the same! 😀

Do you have a green thumb? Or perhaps simply appreciate the beauty of nature? Or even just looking for a good excuse to get out, meet others, and see your hometown? 🌺🌻🌳

The Laurel Historical Society is hosting a Garden Tour event on Saturday, June 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – a sneak peek from the event organizers:

Take a walk through a sprawling 1.7-acre lot featuring native, rose, vegetable, moon, and rain gardens, as well as a meadow area and greenhouse. Learn about garden beds designed to provide pollinator, bird, and wildlife habitats by a family with educational backgrounds dedicated to preserving wildlife, and certifications from nonprofit groups such as the Audobon Society, the National Wildlife Federation, the North American Butterfly Association, and the Xerces Society. While here, pick up some free wildflower seeds to enhance your own garden (as long as you’re one of the first 25 to visit)!

And not only do you get an enjoyable outing, you’re also supporting the work of the Laurel Historical Society who preserves and shares Laurel’s heritage through education programs, exhibits, and community events.

So get your tickets now (children under 12 free) and experience the thriving natural beauty around our town! 🌞

(Photo: Laurel Historical Society)

1926 - the year Laurel Elementary was founded - 100 years ago: wow!

You can see the original building pictured in the graphic below. And I happened to be chatting with a community member earlier this week who shared that the original building was actually located in front of the current (where the parking lot is now). So the school has been connected to the land since its inception.

The whole community is invited to come on out from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. today to help celebrate and mark the occasion — There’s fun for the kids planned, opportunities to check out how the classrooms have changed over the years, memories shared, and definitely a special moment to be remembered by neighbors new and old - See you there!

A fun event every year, next Wednesday, June 10 be sure not to miss Laurel’s Kids Bike Parade event for elementary-aged children co-sponsored by Parks & Rec + Laurel Police.

There’ll be:

• Decorations available for kids to dazzle their bike or scooter, then

• Show off their skills navigating a basic obstacle course, followed by

• A mini-parade up-and-down a closed stretch of Montgomery Street, and

• Capped off by some yummy ice cream!

So come on out to the Laurel Armory at 422 Montgomery Street starting at 6 p.m., bring your wheels + helmet, and have some great summer fun! :)

(UPDATE: Check out the photo page for the 250th Decorating Extravaganza! – Plus see separate post soon announcing gift card recipients – And please keep emailing me photos of other 250th decorated spots as I’d love to log them all!)

Memorial Day is here, and 4th of July is coming! – But it’s no ordinary 4th: It’s the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding document 📜, the day our country was born, July 4, 1776! 🎆

Many residents already spruce up their houses and places of business for the holiday, and I’d love to see us all give it an extra special juice for this year’s anniversary –

• If you’ve got your red-white-and-blue on display, please snap a photo, and upload at the link below as part of a Laurel 250th Decorating Extravaganza;

• And if you’re walking/ driving by a place around town that catches your eye, show them your appreciation by snapping a photo and submitting as wel!

We’ll continue to feature submissions leading up to July 4th so you can see all the great swag going on around town, then settle on some prizes for creativity and festiveness after the big day!

So get decorating and photo snapping away, and submit right here! –> July 4th / 250th Decoration Submission Link. (Note: The submission link is now closed, but please keep emailing me photos of additional 250th decorated spots as I’d love to log and keep featuring them on the photo page.)

Memorial Day Weekend is here! A time certainly for family and food, but also an important time to pause and reflect on those who have died while serving in uniform in the protection of our country.

If you can, I’d encourage you to join the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, Laurel Rescue Squad, American Legion, and Laurel Police Department this Sunday, May 24 for a memorial wreath laying at each of the memorials at Ivy Hill Cemetery with a short service to follow. It’ll be a great way join with our community to mark the true meaning of the day.

The wreath laying begins at 10:45 a.m. and additional details can be found in the graphic below.

Thank you to all who have served!

(UPDATE 20 May 2026: Location changed to Partnership Activity Center at 811 5th Street due to expected rain.)

Reminder that the first City Hall in the Park event of the season is this Wednesday, June 20 at Granville Gude Park starting at 6:30 p.m.

The event series brings Laurel’s Department Directors and Elected Officials to you each month over the summer at parks all across parts of town. It’s a great way to receive updates on Laurel, talk directly with City team to answer questions or curiosities you have, share ideas to make Laurel even better, and get to know your neighbors & make new friends. It’s also a good time with snacks, kids activities, and park amenities at hand.

Mayor Sydnor has also shared that this week’s event can serve as a good forum for residents to learn about and share ideas/ feedback related to the spike in youth violence the past couple weeks.

See you there and please come up to say “hello”! 🙂

It’s less than a month away! – The famous Preakness Stakes will be run on Saturday, May 16, and for the first time (and perhaps last), it’ll be held at our very own Laurel Park!

This really does mark a historic occasion, and while Laurel Park is technically just outside our City’s incorporated limits, the racetrack has been long been a part of Laurel’s identity through the years.

Folks reached out to ask me how they might take part in the festivities and create some special memories, as well as what City programs are available, so I wanted to put together a rundown of ideas and resources for you:

• The official website of the Preakness Festival has a lot of great information, including how to buy tickets and the many neat events happening in the weeks leading up to Race Day itself.

• One great example is Maryland Horse Farm Tours – A fun, FREE day on Sunday, May 10 for families to connect with horses in the horse farms around Maryland where racehorses are grown and to learn about Maryland’s unique equine history.

• A great opportunity to get a free introduction to the basics of horse racing and to see the races up close and personal is at the Voices of Laurel “Day at the Races” event this Saturday April 25 from noon to 5 p.m. Tickets are FREE but RSVP requested to get a head count. Look for the Voices of Laurel reserved tent setup right next to the track itself, and two special races will take place between 1:45 p.- 3 p.m. for the VoL team.

• And for those curious history buffs out there, the Voices of Laurel crew also put together a great history of Laurel Park over time, as well as coverage of what’s next for the racetrack after the Preakness is run this year.

• The City of Laurel is running it’s “Saddle Up, Laurel!" promotional campaign for our town’s small businesses to highlight what makes them special, encouraging them to decorate their storefront, providing promotional posters, encouraging race-themed specials & events, and featuring them throughout City communications. Check out the campaign page linked above and reach out directly to “ecd AT laurel.md.us” for information on how to get involved!

• Keen observers may also have seen the horse racing graphics installed by DPW along Main Street – there’s two locations: one near the City parking lot close to Route 1, and the other near the Laurel Mill Playhouse closer to Route 216. (see picture below)

• Another City-sponsored event: Come out for Movie Night at the McCullough Field/ Sturgis-Moore area on Tue, May 12 at 8 p.m. to watch Secretariat, the acclaimed 2010 movie telling the 1973 story of the ninth horse to win the Triple Crown and who still holds the fastest time records in all three races.

There is more out there, but hopefully this gets you off-and-running to your own Preakness celebration and don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or the City team for any questions!

Tonight, April 22 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Center on Contee, PG County Councilman Tom Dernoga will host representatives from our District 21 State Delegation to provide highlights and recap of the recently concluded Maryland Legislative Session.

Our District 21 representatives Senator Jim Rosapepe, Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Delegate Ben Barnes, and Delegate Mary Lehman will present an end-of-session update on the 2026 Legislative Session in Annapolis, followed by a moderated discussion on legislative priorities, local concerns, and available resources. PG Councilmember Wanika Fisher, Chair of the County General Assembly Committee, will also present a County Council committee report.

Doors open at 6 p.m. to allow time for mingling, the main program starts at 6:30 p.m., and should conclude around 7:30 p.m.

I and other members of the Laurel City Council will also be there, so it’ll be a unique opportunity to meet and connect with City, County, and State representatives all in one place at the same time.

You can register online, check out the below flyer for additional detail (en español), just let me know if you have any questions, and’ll hope to see you there!

Stop on by the table for the Citizens Advisory Committee for Senior Residents & Persons with Disabilities at tomorrow’s Laurel Volunteer Fair – The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 18 in the gym side of the Multiservice Center and will also feature so many of the great organizations and City volunteer opportunities we have around town.

(Note: The City is also hosting community resource fair and grocery give-away on the Human Services side of the Multiservice Center, so be sure to look for the door based on which (or both) events you’re going to.)

The CAC for Seniors & Persons with Disabilities will have handouts listing City services available to member groups – And we’ll also have feedback forms where respondents can let the City know how it’s doing in being accessible and serving member groups. (All of these should be available digitally soon on our Committee page, but in the meantime, please feel free to email me directly if you’d like a copy or have some feedback for the Committee.)

Thank you to all residents who volunteer to help make Laurel what it is – whether it’s with your church choir, a youth sports coach, with one of our non-profits around town (like Laurel for the Patuxent, LARS, Laurel Historical Society, Women’s Club of Laurel, and more), on a City Committee/ Commission, or more. 🙌

The strength of Laurel is in our people and their connections to others – you are what makes community! 🙂