Master Plan Committee 1st Meeting on Wed, Jan 29
The loosely year-and-half-long process of the Master Plan Committee kicks off tonight at the Municipal Center at 6 p.m. — The Master Plan is what guides the City, developers, and other stakeholders in a vision for how the City can grow and develop towards a bright future, and is updated every 10 years.
This first meeting is to provide brief introductions, discussion of what a Master Plan is, and an overview of the process, among other items. Throughout the process there will be surveys and inputs sought from all interested parties, but be aware that the first meeting won’t have a “Public Hearing” section but focus more on sharing the first round of basic information.
More about the Committee and a schedule of meeting dates can be found on the Master Plan Committee page, and I encourage everyone to stay tuned to developments and be sure to provide your insights as the process unfolds.
PG County Executive Candidate Forum in Laurel on Jan 30
You’ve probably already received your mail-in ballot for the special Primary Election on Mar 4 (with special General Election to follow on Jun 3), but you may not be familiar with the list of County Executive candidates – We’ll you don’t have to travel far, because both Democrats and Republicans are coming our way this week on Thu, Jan 30 for a Candidates' Forum, and you’re invited.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Laurel Boys & Girls Club Phelps Center at 701 Montgomery Street. The event is also expected to be live streamed if you’re unable to be present in person.
Additional information (including live stream link once available) can be found on this Bowie Sun page so come on out to learn more about the candidates and to help you cast your vote. :)
UPDATE: Here’s an article from The Laurel Independent that provides comments shared by the variety of candidates present at the forum and can be very useful to understand differences and areas of emphasis by each as you make your decision.
My Vote on Charter Amendment 180 on Dividing CREM Department
Thank you so much to members of the public who reached out via email and who came to tonight’s Council Meeting to share your thoughts on Charter Amendment No. 180 to consider dividing the existing City Resources & Emergency Management Department (CREM) into two departments: the Department of Human Services and the Department of Emergency Management – it is extremely helpful to hear from residents whenever a change like this is being considered for our City.
I wanted to provide a brief recap of the comments I made during tonight’s proceedings in the process of casting my vote:
-
First, I’ve persuaded myself both ways on this Charter Amendment at least a couple times each, because I can see the merits of two sides
-
On the one hand, it’s natural that with the addition of the new Multi-Service Center (MSC) and its role in our City, that resources be strategically aligned to empower it to flourish in its mission
-
On the other hand, adding to our City’s departmental count in order to create a department for something we already created a department for not even a full two years ago when we already anticipated this (i.e., CREM was formed in March 2023 with one of the principal reasons to oversee the MSC) made it harder to grasp
-
The other part for me is also that it’s not so much that Human Services shouldn’t be its own Department (for which I see a lot of solid reasons), but that in this plan, Emergency Management becomes a Department of 2 people all out on its own. And while they are a critical asset for us to have as a City, their function seems better fitted to an Office rather than a Department, perhaps an Office under the Department of the City Administrator where it was before.
-
So it’s not to say that there was nothing favorable in the proposal, but that in its current state, it was difficult to conclude it was a ‘complete enough’ plan to accomplish the stated objective, which is a good one, but I believe would benefit from some additional attention.
In the end, my vote was “Yes”, with an ask of the Mayor to give consideration to folding the Department of Emergency Management into another Department in time to avoid un-needed financial burden on the taxpayers.
As a procedural note, a Charter Amendment cannot take effect until it goes through an extra special process including 40 days of being posted publicly and ensuring no more than 20% of qualified voters sign a petition rejection its adoption.
(Separately, something I’ve been meaning to share with folks that I think many people may not understand about the mission of the Multi-Service Center: The program of the MSC is not actually overseen by the City at all. It’s overseen by a non-City 501c3 non-profit that recruits and monitors other non-profits and government organizations to provide services. In many ways, the City is acting merely as custodian of the building, helping provide a venue through which those organizations can deliver services.)
Preserving the Dam behind the City
The story of Laurel in many ways traces its roots back to the Patuxent River – you might even say, Laurel “sprang” from the river.
The reason, is that the beginnings of our town started to take shape when a grist mill was setup in 1811 powered by the waters of the Patuxent. By 1845, it had bloomed to include a second mill (now processing cotton), and together, the mills employed more than 700 workers who now took up residence here with their families, putting “Laurel Factory” on the map. Many of our early churches were organized within that same decade, and finally in April of 1870, the city itself officially incorporated as just “Laurel”. (Which means we’re approaching our 155th birthday this April.)
So you can see how the River, the mills, and the dams powering that mill are really touchstones to Laurel’s birth and parts of its identity. Even today, you can make your way down to the parking lot at the west end of Main Street, get out and walk a couple hundred yards, and see the remnants of the dam still there, albeit crumbling.
Which is why it’s a great relief to share that last year the City received funds from both federal and Maryland grant efforts to shore up and enhance this critical reference point for our City, for our and future generations. Our appreciation goes out to our federal and State delegations for their support, and also a big champion of the project, past Councilman, Michael Leszcz. Included in the project will be preventing further erosion of the stone areas and making them safer, making the approach area and parking lot more accessible, and enhancing many of the historical markers to further tell the story of our town’s beginnings.
While the exact details and timing are still being worked out, if you’re curious to learn more, you can check out the draft engineering report with some of the areas needing attention and some of the ideas on what comes next!
Laurel: A Community of Communities
(An article I wrote for the Jan 2025 edition of ‘Voices of Laurel’ – See links at the bottom for the growing database of communities & how to submit yours.)
Each of us starts life in a “community” called family. And as we grow, we naturally become part of more and more communities: Aunts, uncles, cousins; Church, and its sub-communities, like choir or committees serving to those in need; School, our class grade, school groups & friend groups; Hobby and recreation groups like sports leagues, motorcycle groups, Scout troops, candle makers, and book clubs; Public service like soup kitchens, historical societies, charities; And the list goes on.
I like to think of all these communities as a rain forest ecosystem: flowers, birds, trees, monkeys, fruits, insects, jaguars, canopy, undergrowth, water, air, sun. Deep, rich, interwoven, interdependent. Communities overlapping, mutually enriched, vibrant, teeming with life and resilience.
But modern life comes with its challenges: commutes, homework, dishwashers needing repair, working late, lawn mowing, bank password resets that still don’t work. And then there’s the competitions for attention: TV & movies on demand, football & baseball season, video games, social media scrolling, the latest news updates.
It can be easy to find ourselves sliding into a mindset that ‘we’ll go out and connect with others’ later, it’s ‘just one more thing’ when the rest of life feels like a lot already. And self-care is important: we need to have cared for ourselves so that we can care for others.
But there is an odd converse too: Connecting with and caring for others, strangely and somehow stirs a part core inside us. It flips a switch and lets juices flow within our souls that aren’t touched by or activated in any other way. Ultimately, we need to reach into and expand that part of us if we are to be who we truly are — We are social beings, meant to explore and to become, precisely through our interactions with others, in community with them.
Which leads to a further realization too: We are community - community isn’t ’out there’, it’s us. Ain’t nobody here but us people. What we do, is what our community is, you, me, and all of our neighbors, taken together. Whether it’s taking a couple extra minutes to shovel the sidewalk for our elder neighbor next door, asking our neighbor across the street to help retrieve an Amazon delivery when we’re out of town, sharing about our family’s health ups & downs, offering some fresh made iced tea to the contractors, actively slowing down at the crosswalk near the grocery store — each one of these small acts, these are community. Part of the rich tapestry.
And a natural next step is joining a community with others. Whether it’s the new Reader’s Theater group at the Selbourne House and open to all, where members rehearse scripts under the able direction of Mr. Charles Clyburn, then do dramatic reading performances for the community. Or the indoor radio-controlled car racing hosted at Hobby Works that starts in January. Or the Hooked on Crochet group formed by Heidi Temple that meets Sundays at Panera. Or the Laurel 4th of July Committee that puts on such a fantastic event each year, but who themselves are in need small and big helping hands to ensure this tradition can continue for our town next year.
So a note of encouragement: There is so much good going on around our wonderful town, and so many wonderful people. But I also observe communities growing thin, and folks searching for the depth they know can’t come from behind our screens, but only from authentic, patient human connection in the groups in which we can share our small moments and the path of our life lived together.
Ultimately, our community needs you, needs me, needs all of us together — a community of communities, teeming with life and resilience, mutually enriched, and vibrant.
(Note: Help build a living list of ‘community groups’ that call Laurel their home — It’ll provide folks a wonderful insight into the rich tapestry we have, and also be a place folks can come to find a community to connect to. To have your group added, please complete this simple online form. And thank you to the many communities and community members that make up our hometown Laurel!!)
Info for City Council Meeting - 27 Jan 2025
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 me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.
Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. And if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.
AGENDA
- Call to Order - Council President Kyla Clark
- 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: January 6, 2025 Work Session; January 13, 2025 Regular Meeting
- Report of the Mayor and City Council
- Presentation to the Mayor and City Council by Shannon Mouton, Executive Director, LARS
- Appointment: Naomi McMillen, Board of Election Supervisors, 01/27/2025-01/27/2030; Veronica Martin, Juneteenth Executive Committee; Artesa Jones, Juneteenth Committee; Reappointments: The Honorable G. Rick Wilson, Planning Commission, 01/27/25-01/27/30; William Wellford, Planning Commission, 01/27/25-01/27/30; Sean LeVere, Community Redevelopment Authority, 01/27/25-01/27/28
- General Public Hearing
- Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Charter Amendment No. 180- A Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Article 400 “Administration” of the Charter of the City of Laurel to Reflect the Dissolution of the Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management (CREM) and the Establishment of Two New Departments: The Department of Human Services and Emergency Management and Amending Section 469 to Reflect “Director of the Department of Emergency Management” and add Section 470 “Director of the Department of Human Services.”
- Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Ordinance No. 2036- 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 Providing an Effective Date.
- Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 1-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Rename and Expand the Scope of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
- Second Public Hearing with Possible Action on Resolution No. 2-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Authorizing the Purchase of 7701 Old Sandy Spring Road Laurel, Maryland 20707, for the Purpose of Acquiring Real Property for City Operations.
- Adjournment
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Today
Honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today and the monumental work he led with those of his time to advance our nation for all.
My Visit to the Maryland General Assembly yesterday
Yesterday, I put on my “CPA hat” and had the pleasure of visiting the Maryland General Assembly to advocate with our State legislators for a positive regulatory and tax environment for accountants and the small businesses and individuals we serve.
And I had a wonderful experience meeting another CPA from District 21 who lives right here in Laurel! – Maxene Bardwell. Not only is she President-Elect for the Maryland Association of CPAs, she also volunteers as a member of the Laurel Ethics Commission. We have so many talented and giving members of the Laurel community who are making a difference across our state and meeting Ms. Bardwell was such a great testament to that!
We had an opportunity to sit down with the offices of Delegate Joseline Pena-Melnyk and Delegate Mary Lehman. And while Delegate Benjamin Barnes and Senator James Rosapepe weren’t available at the time we stopped by, we were able to share with them many of the key issues identified by the Association.
As I shared in last week’s City Council Meeting, this year’s Maryland legislative session will have a number of important things that will affect citizens across the state and I encourage residents to stay tuned in to Annapolis this year – For example, Governor Moore introduced his proposed budget on Wednesday and there are significant changes to the income tax rates and fees for Marylanders. Some of them will help middle- and low-income residents (like a small reduction in income tax rates) and others cost more (like increasing emission test from $14 to $30 and a $0.75 charge on online delivery orders). Nothing is passed yet as the budget must be approved by both houses in Annapolis, but as plans unfold, it’s a good idea to let your voice be heard by staying in touch with our District 21 representatives.
Thank you again Maxene for our great conversation as we tromped up and down the halls of the House and Senate buildings, it made for a great morning! :)
Laurel High School College & Career Fair on Jan 16
This Thursday, Jan 16 from 6 - 8 p.m., Laurel High School will be holding its first College, Career, and Community Resource Fair. It’s free to the public and designed to help all high school students (whether going to LHS or other) to explore colleges, careers, and resources (like applying for scholarships) specially designed for them as they discern their path approaching the new chapters of their life.
I was pleased to play a small role last fall in the planning at the time I was a member of the City’s Education Advisory Committee (including some great new apprenticeship and other career resources), and it was great to see the energy and enthusiasm of the LHS staff members putting on the event, including Mrs. Rachel Mitchell.
Please be sure to pass word to any high school students in the area to encourage them to attend as I can guarantee they’ll come across something of interest or help to them – It’s often experiences like these that can help make a contact or discover something new that really makes a difference in a student finding a great path ahead!
Jan 9 designated as Marcus Colbert Day
Last week I was out of town with family, but I wanted to be sure to pause and give special recognition and honor to the life of Marcus Colbert. As many are aware, he was a DPW employee who sadly passed after being hit during a trash collection route. Every time I approach a City DPW vehicle on the road, I think of him and slow down extra to keep all of our people safe. His sister, Cynthia Colbert, recently released a book titled “My Brother Marcus” celebrating his life and chronicling her journey that was also featured in a The Laurel Independent article last month.
I wanted to thank Mayor Sydnor and the collaboration of Councilman Mills that brought about Proclamation 2025-01 recognizing this January 9th as “Marcus Colbert Day” and also encourage us all to pause to celebrate his life and honor his memory.
Info for City Council Meeting - 13 Jan 2025
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 me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.
Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. And if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.
AGENDA
- Call to Order – Kyla Clark, President
- Roll Call - Sara A. Green, CPM, CMC, City Clerk
- Approval of Minutes: December 9, 2024 Regular Meeting
- Report of the Mayor and City Council
- Mayoral Appointments: The Honorable G. Rick Wilson Chair- Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; The Honorable Frederick Smalls Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Calvin M. Burns Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Ursula Gnan Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Maria Gonzales-Jackson Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Garrett Jackson Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Stephen Slaughter Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27; Sophady Uong Master Plan Committee 01/13/25-01/13/27
- General Public Hearing
- Introduction and First Public Hearing on Charter Amendment No. 180- A Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Article 400 “Administration” of the Charter of the City of Laurel to Reflect the Dissolution of the Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management (CREM) and the Establishment of Two New Departments: The Department of Human Services and Emergency Management and Amending Section 469 to Reflect “Director of the Department of Emergency Management” and add Section 470 “Director of the Department of Human Services.”
- Introduction and First Public Hearing on Ordinance No. 2036- 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 Providing an Effective Date.
- Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 1-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Rename and Expand the Scope of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
- Introduction and First Public Hearing on Resolution No. 2-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Authorizing the Purchase of 7701 Old Sandy Spring Road Laurel, Maryland 20707, for the Purpose of Acquiring Real Property for City Operations.
- Adjournment
MD Real Estate Tax Assessments up 21+%
Each year, the MD State Department of Assessments and Taxation re-values a third of the roughly 2 million properties in the state, a figure that is then used to calculate County and City property taxes. The report just released puts the average residential property valuation increase at 21.1%.
For residential properties in the Central Maryland area (which Laurel is in), the increase averaged 22.6%. And certain properties experienced north of a 30% increase. (Last year’s re-valuations averaged ~25%.)
Factors at play likely include housing supply shortages (also impacting housing affordability) as well as wider economic forces (like interest rates, employment levels, construction environment, etc.)
For owners that use the property as their primary residence, they can qualify for the Homestead Tax Credit which limits any one year’s increase to no more than 10% (but will experience the full effect within 2-3 year window).
In other related news, a recent WSJ study showed that 32% of the average single-family mortgage payment went to property taxes and home insurance - a combo effect, also reflecting shake ups happening within the insurance industry.
City has declared State of Emergency
Update to let residents know that the Mayor has declared a State of Emergency effective 9 p.m. today (Sunday, Jan 5).
We are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of our community. I ask all residents to follow the parking restrictions, stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary, and be patient as our crews work to clear snow and make our streets safe during the storm. Together, we can minimize the impact of this storm and keep everyone safe.”
One of the key implications to ensure your vehicle is not parked on designated Snow Emergency routes. More details and also some preparedness tips available from the City’s Press Release.
UPDATE 6 Jan 2025: See my post below for implications for the virtual Council Work Session scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan 6 (which will proceed as scheduled).
Info for City Council Work Session - 6 Jan 2025
UPDATE for WINTER STORM —>
- City offices are officially closed on Monday, January 6, but the virtual Council Work Session will go on as planned this evening at 6 p.m..
- The normal simulcast via YouTube, Comcast, and FiOS channels is not expected since City team will not be able to be in the offices.
- However, residents can watch in real-time using this Zoom link or call-in via phone at 301-715-8592, which will function like a normal webinar-style Zoom event.
- The video of the Work Session will still be posted to the LaurelTV YouTube channel and other outlets afterwards as usual.
- More details available in the official post via the City’s website.
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 me as your voice helps me shape legislation and decisions.
Watch live online via LaurelTV or the MyLaurel app, or on your TV via Comcast Channel 996 (HD)/ 71 (SD) or Verizon FiOS Channel 12. And if you’d like to register to speak, simply reach out to the City Clerk’s office.
AGENDA
- Call to Order - Kyla Clark, Council President
- Charter Amendment No. 180- A Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Amending Article 400 “Administration” of the Charter of the City of Laurel to Reflect the Dissolution of the Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management (CREM) and the Establishment of Two New Departments: The Department of Human Services and Emergency Management and Amending Section 469 to Reflect “Director of the Department of Emergency Management” and add Section 470 “Director of the Department of Human Services.”
- Ordinance No. 2036- 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 Providing an Effective Date.
- Resolution No. 1-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to Rename and Expand the Scope of the Citizens Advisory Committee for Persons with Disabilities.
- Resolution No. 2-2025- A Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland Authorizing the Purchase of 7701 Old Sandy Spring Road Laurel, Maryland 20707, for the Purpose of Acquiring Real Property for City Operations.
- Adjournment
Head Outdoors for a First Day Hike on Jan 1
An emerging tradition on New Year’s Day are “First Day Hikes”, a chance to get outside, get some fresh air, and start the year off on a great foot!
From Maryland’s Department of Natural Resources:
First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America’s State Parks that encourages all 50 states to offer outdoor hiking opportunities on the first day of the new year! Join us in Maryland on January 1st for a hike at a state park near you.
For 2025, there will be three types of hikes available:
Ranger-led hikes: These hikes will be led by a Park Ranger, have specific start times, and many require pre-registration. Please read the details provided below carefully.
Self-guided hikes: These hikes will be available throughout the weekend on well-marked trails. Park staff and volunteers may be available to get you started but will not be joining you on the hike itself. Please read the details provided below carefully.
AllTrails-Guided: Maryland DNR has partnered with the AllTrails Public Lands Program to help Marylanders discover and navigate trails across our parks. Use AllTrails to navigate your hike and easily share your adventure on social!
First Day Hike “I Hiked” Stickers will be available at select locations while supplies last!
And of course, First Day Hikes can be taken wherever you preferred outdoor spot is as well. :)
You can check out Maryland DNR First Day Hike page for additional info and have some fun outdoors on January 1!
Join in to help "Laurel Winter Shelter" Jan 5 to Mar 31
It gets quite cold in a Maryland winter, and the thought of being outside overnight is harrowing.
Starting decades ago, churches in our community banded together to help provide a space for homeless in the winter months to avoid the dangerous overnight conditions, supported by volunteers from their congregations and in spaces the churches had. Called “Winter Haven”, this program has served hundreds over the years, and is now being facilitated at the Laurel Multiservice Center under the name “Laurel Winter Shelter” – BUT, it still relies exclusively on caring people in our community stepping forward to volunteer for evening check-in (7:30 - 10 p.m.) and/or overnight (10 p.m. to 8 a.m.).
Having done shifts at Winter Haven in the past, I can tell you, the lost sleep is hard - but it is truly worthwhile when compared to being able to provide a warm space folks can sleep for the night. There’s no special skills or training you need, food is already being taken care of separately, it’s really just each night a small band of people are needed to ensure we can keep this caring tradition going here in Laurel.
Please consider if there’s a night (or two) that you might spare between Jan 5 and Mar 31, and shoot an email to “[email protected]” where Phillip Ott and the team at the Laurel non-profit Taking Care of Our Neighbors, Inc. will welcome you as a much-needed helping hand to join with.
Thank you!
A Christmas Reflection
Christmas is a time to reflect on life. Somehow, most of society mutually agrees that we should take time aside, pause, and celebrate the transcendent.
Sure, there’s cookies, wine, eggnog, gift wrapping, and more. But they seem to come from some thing different; they aren’t the thing itself, but something connected to ‘the thing’.
A part of us senses about life that there’s gotta be something more, something it’s all about. I once heard humans described as ‘meaning-seeking’ creatures, and after reflecting on, it stuck - we are: we look for purpose, for significance, for meaning. We know our struggles, our joys, our connections, our yearnings, they’re linked to some thing.
This time of year, that thing seems to have a peculiar palpability — it feels closer to our touch, within reach for us to grasp. Maybe it’s because there seems to be an extra dose of ‘good will’ in the air. Or maybe it’s connected to the sparkling lights we see here and there. Or the scents, sounds, and shuffling about on errands for others instead of ourselves.
Whatever it is, it feels ‘with us’. It draws us closer if we’re attentive, waiting. Like the bright star piercing the night sky, crossing the expanse of the universe, traveling at the speed of light … all to be seen by our eyes, to fill us with a glow, to bring a smile to our faces. There, as we stand in the midst of the cold night, warmth is felt, we get a glint, a reflection.
Then we go back inside, hug those who are closest to us, and hold that moment in our souls, keeping its embers alive and rekindling the fire for the night ahead.
~*~
May his peace be with you this Christmas and all the nights of the year, and wishing you health & true prosperity in the new year ahead!
Historical Society / Eagle Court / Police Academy Highlights & Pics
»Laurel Historical Society Christmas Celebration«
It was a pleasure to spend time with the dedicated volunteers of the Laurel Historical Society as they marked the end of a great year of exhibits and programs helping preserve and promote Laurel’s unique history. In addition to the tasty cookies and the opportunity to revisit the hilarious pictures of the “Awkward Photos” exhibit (last day available Dec 22, from 1-4p), LHS also has a new Christmas ornament this year as part of its long-running series, this one featuring the trolley last used to run from what is now Oliver’s Tavern on Main Street all the way down into DC circa 1920s. You can pickup yours by swinging by their gift shop or ordering from their online store. And mark those calendars for the always anticipated Annual Gala, this year scheduled for May 4!
»Eagle Court of Honor: Vincent Caridi«*
I remember back when I earned my Eagle Scout award from Troop 259 here in Laurel on Main Street, and the citations and recognitions received from various public officials. So it was very surreal, and an honor, 28 years later to join with my fellow Councilman Mills at the Eagle Court of Honor of Vincent Caridi of Troop 1250 at a different section of Main Street and to share a citation and a ‘key of Laurel’ pin with the honoree. It was clear from memories and stories shared by friends and family at the Court of Honor recognition ceremony, that Vincent has grown and benefitted immensely from the Scouting program, and lives out the values and traditions of serving others. Congratulations Vincent!
(Photo credit: Councilman Mills)
»Laurel Police Community Academy Graduation«
If you have any interest in what a real ‘day-in-the-life’ of a police officer is like, or curious about neat things like evidence collection, safe use of firearms, or police ‘ride alongs’, you’ve got to check out the Laurel Police Department’s Community Police Academy! I truly enjoyed meeting the latest class of graduates during their recognition dinner and ceremony recently, and to a one, they shared how much they had gained through the program both in the neat things they got to do, and also in the new found perspective they have on what police officers handle on a day-to-day. Each of them also thanked our officers for being there to protect and serve our residents. (And keep an eye on Laurel Police’s Facebook page and other social media for announcements around the next class starting soon!)
(Photo credit: Laurel Police’s Department)
Christmas Parade / Pearl Harbor / Winter Market / Tree Lighting Highlights & Pics
»Christmas Parade«
It was a lot of fun joining with Council, the Mayor, and the “Big Guy” (Santa) for this year’s Christmas Parade. One of the highlights for me was the community groups that come out to participate in the parade, this year including the American Legion Riders, the Laurel Boys & Girl Club Wildcats, neighborhood families with angel costumes, our emergency response teams at Laurel Volunteer Fire Department and Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad, and more. If you’ve thought about entering your group into one of the City’s parade, let me be an encouragement to you to do it - it’s a lot of fun and a great way to share! :)
(Photo credit: City of Laurel)
»Pearl Harbor Remembrance by American Legion Post 60«
Right before the parade, I was also honored to join with the American Legion Post 60 Color Guard to mark the remembrance of ‘a day that shall live in infamy’, the bombing of Pearl Harbor on Dec 7, 1941. Thank you to John Musgrove and the Guard for bringing solemnity to the memory of those who sacrificed for our country that day.
(Photo credit: American Legion)
»Winter Market«
This is the first year the City has hosted a “Winter Market”, and it was great to see small business vendors and crafters selling their wares at the Quill Lot on Main Street. The Winter Market builds on the success of the Farmer’s Market earlier this year, and I hope to see it back as an event next year as I know many more folks had hoped to make it. (And I’ve shared the idea with the City team to perhaps even hold it in tandem with Small Business Saturday activities as a great tie-in.) I showed up at the Market at just the perfect time, as the skies were beautiful overhead with the warm bursts of sunset colors: amazing! :)
»Christmas Tree Lighting & Armory Illumination«
Our Parks & Rec team continues to out-do themselves with the wonderful display they put up at the Laurel Armory – And a lucky young participant got to be the ‘official tree lighter’ by flipping the switch that started all the magic – She was the cutest and did a great job! I was able to capture a video of some of the special effects too, including ‘snow’ coming from the rooftop of the Armory. It was great to see all the families who came out for the event, the kids having fun with the activities inside the Armory, photos with Santa, and more. It’s a great and memorable way to kick-off the holiday season here in Laurel!
(Photo credit: City of Laurel)
My New Appointment to the Historic District Commission
I’m pleased to share that with the new term starting the end of November, I’ve been appointed by the Mayor to the Historic District Commission (HDC), and tonight marks my first meeting.
The HDC was established in 1975 ‘to promote the preservation of Laurel’s historic sites and buildings in order to safeguard the heritage of the City’s built environment’. As many folks may be aware, while Laurel was incorporated 154 years ago in 1870, its roots trace back even further into the mid-/late-1700s and in its early life it was called ‘Laurel Factory’ for the factory and mill located along the banks of the Patuxent River.
The Historic District itself is comprised of seven individual, but contiguous, districts illustrated below and the HDC follows the design guidelines listed in Article I, Div. 14 of the City’s Unified Land Development Code.
If anyone has any questions, suggestions, ideas, or other as they related to the HDC, Laurel’s history, or other, please do not hesitate to reach out to me and I’m happy to be of assistance, and additional information about the Historic District Commission can also be found on its page on the City’s website.