07-2022 The Laurel Independent

Under design and site plan approval for 262 multifamily units on Fashion Place

On the front burner at the Laurel Museum

By Mary Schneidau Sullivan

If you can’t stand the summer heat, get out of your own kitchen — and then stay as cool as cucumber while sampling selections at the Laurel Museum’s current exhibit, “What’s Cookin’, Laurel?”

Whether you like mixing metaphors or salads, the exhibit offers a gastronomical glance at Laurel’s history that is sure to whet your appetite.

“We wanted something more fun and lighthearted after the heavy events of the last two years,” said Ann Bennett, executive director of the Laurel Historical Society (LHS), which runs the museum.

SEE MUSEUM ON 10 

Candidates for at-large county council seats

By Kit Slack

In Prince George’s County, the work of our at-large county councilmembers makes a big difference when it comes to local development, local schools and local infrastructure.These people make it happen around here — or don’t.

Voters in this month’s primary

SEE ELECTION ON 9 

Konterra development to begin early next year

By Joe Murchison

After 40 years in the works, Konterra’s town center will soon see its first buildings rise, as a new development phase gets underway early next year.

Konterra is a 2,200-acre mini-city planned for open land just south of Laurel on a parcel reclaimed from sand and gravel mining. The bulk of the property was purchased by the Gould family of North Laurel, in 1981.

Caleb Gould, the family’s lead on the development, said they envision a town cen-

ter that will resemble those of Columbia, Reston and National Harbor, with a dense mixture of homes, businesses, offices and recreation attractions.

In 1985, the Prince George’s County government approved mixed-use zoning for 403 acres of land east of Interstate 95 (I-95) and bounded on the north by Konterra Drive. The zoning allows for construction of up to 4,500 dwelling units — about half the number of homes currently existing in the city of Laurel — and 5.9 million square feet of commercial space. The Gould family has already developed

portions of Konterra around the proposed town center. These developments include the Villages at Wellington, Wilshire and Bentley Park housing complexes, and the Konterra Business Campus along Route 1 south of Muirkirk Road.

“We now feel the time is right to move deeper into the town center,” said Andre Gingles, the Goulds’ development attorney, at a public briefing on May 18. The virtual briefing was hosted by Prince George’s County Councilmember Tom Dernoga (District 1).

A rendering of the 262 multifamily units on Fashion Place in Konterra Development. COURTESY OF MAURICE WALTERS, ARCHITECT

We're glad to be here

I’m excited to welcome you to the first edition of The Laurel Independent! This new monthly newspaper you’re holding in your hands is now bringing local news and culture to homes throughout the city of Laurel, and I think this first issue is special for many reasons.

In 2021, Laurel Mayor Craig Moe created a committee tasked with creating a publication to serve the city. This citizens task force turned to the

the board of Streetcar Suburbs Publishing, a Hyattsville-based nonprofit that publishes the Hyattsville Life & Times and the College Park Here & Now, both award-winning monthly newspapers serving communities here in Prince George’s County. The board was enthusiastic about this new venture.

Now under Streetcar’s umbrella, The Laurel Independent can turn to resources of our sister newspapers; indeed, we

NEWS BRIEFS

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IS JULY 19

Voters in Prince George’s County can vote either in person or by mail in Maryland’s primary election this month.

The deadlines for requesting a mail-in ballot are July 12 (to receive a paper ballot) and July 15 (to receive a downloadable ballot via the internet). Early inperson voting is now underway and will continue through July 14. Individuals can vote at any designated early voting site in the county; sites are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Polls will also be open on Primary Election Day, July 19, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Early voting locations in and close to Laurel are the LaurelBeltsville Senior Activity Center, 7120 Contee Road; College Park Community Center, 5051 Pierce Ave,, College Park; and Bowie Gymnasium, 4100 Northview Drive, Bowie.

Residents can register to vote during early voting and on Election Day. Address changes can be made during early voting, as well For more information on documentation required for address changes, go to elections. maryland.gov/voting/address.

A community newspaper chronicling the people and events of Laurel, Maryland.

Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781

The Laurel Independent is published monthly by Streetcar Suburbs Publishing., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Editors welcome reader input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted using the mailing address above or the email addresses provided. StreetcarSuburbs.News

Man- aging

are already benefiting from partnerships we have with their seasoned staff. Future plans include expanding The Laurel Independent’s circulation to include all Laurel businesses and households.

We’re launching this newspaper at a time when many others are folding: According to a recent national study by Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, papers are closing at an average of

two a week. How exciting to go against the stream — and in a city clearly eager to access and share local news. All stories in this inaugural issue were written by volunteers who are eager to inform and engage you in local issues and opportunities — and the people who make this city such a special place. This newspaper brings me back to Laurel, an area I became familiar with, professionally, several years ago. I’m eager to renew my connections with the city and make new ones, too. As managing editor of The Laurel Independent, I

look forward to bringing you, our readers, the local news you deserve.

Katie V. Jones, Managing Editor The Laurel Independent

EDITOR'S NOTE: While the city of Laurel did establish a task force to spark this publication, the city is not involved with editorial content of The Laurel Independent. And while the city does pay to have its own newsletter included with each issue of the paper, staff of The Laurel Independent do not write or review the city’s pages.

Editor Katie V. Jones

Katie@streetcarsuburbs.news

Associate Editor Nancy Welch Nancy@streetcarsuburbs.news

Writers & Contributors

Melanie Dzwonchyk, Chris Folks, Angie Latham Kozlowski, Joe Murchison, Mary Schneidau Sullivan, Kit Slack

Layout & Design Editors

Ashley Perks, Valerie Morris

Web Editor Jessica Burshtynskyy

Advertising Mike McLaughlin advertising@streetcarsuburbs.news

301.531.5234

Business Manager Catie Currie

Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti — President & General Counsel Emily Strab — Secretary Stephanie Stullich — Treasurer Rosanna Landis Weaver, Gretchen Brodtman, T. Carter Ross, Bette Dickerson, Melanie Dzwonchyk, Nora Eidelman, Maxine Gross Katie V. Jones, Mark Goodson, Kit Slack — Ex Officios

Circulation: Copies are distributed monthly by U.S. mail to every address in Laurel. Additional copies are distributed to popular gathering spots around town. Total circulation is 16,400.

The Laurel Independent is a member of the National Newspaper Association and the Institute for Nonprofit News.

Voters can determine their polling site at the Prince George’s County Board of Elections website (elections. mypgc.us) or by contacting the county’s Board of Elections at 301.341.7300

MAIN STREET FESTIVAL RESCHEDULED TO OCTOBER

After a rain-out on May 7, the Laurel Board of Trade has rescheduled its 40th Main Street Festival to Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the festival begins with a parade at 9 a.m. Main Street will be closed to vehicles from Seventh Street to Route 1 southbound as festival-goers browse the food and artsand-craft vendors and enjoy live music.

Deadline for vendor applications is Friday, Sept. 12. For a vendor application or to participate in the parade, go to laurelboardoftrade.org or call the Laurel Board of Trade at 301.483.0838.

SUMMER PLAYGROUND PROGRAMS

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission offers summer playground programs at 36 public schools for Prince George’s County children ages 6 to 12.

Two schools in Laurel — Laurel Elementary, 516 Montgomery St. and Scotchtown Hills Elementary, 15950 Dorset Road — are participating this summer.

Programs are on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., from June 29 through Aug. 12, with a break from July 18 to 20 while primary elections take place.

Fee is $60 per child for the session, and registration is re-

quired. For more information and to register, go to pgparks. com.

COUNTY TO OFFER BACK-TO-SCHOOL VACCINATION CLINICS

The Prince George’s County Health Department is holding clinics for students ages 5 to 18 who need to receive their state-mandated vaccinations before the school year begins in August.

Free vaccinations are available regardless of the student’s health insurance coverage. Appointments must be made in advance. Immunization records must be brought to the appointment, and if the student has an exclusion letter from their school, that also must be brought to the appointment.

Upcoming clinics are scheduled for July 12 and 13 at Bladensburg High, 4200 57th Ave., Bladensburg; July 19 and 20 at Northwestern High, 7000 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville; and July 26 and 27 at Fairmont Heights High, 6501 Columbia Park Road, Landover. All clinics will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To make an appointment, go to marylandvax.org. For more information, contact the student’s school or the Prince George’s County Public School Health Services Program at 301.749.4722 or health.services@ pgcps.org.

COURTESY OF PEXELS

Calvin HAWKINS

RE-ELECT Calvin HAWKINS

AT-LARGE COUNTY COUNCIL

Calvin Hawkins is a dedicated servant leader committed to supporting progressive initiatives for working families, our youth and the environment... engaging and standing up for all people of Prince George’s County.

R Elected Council Chair two consecutive years R Led efforts to build six new schools through a Public-Private Partnership (first of its kind in the nation) R Advanced integration of healthcare policies and wellness initiatives

R Increased funding for the Youth Service Bureaus R Supported multi-generational recreational facilities

R Addressing climate change and flooding throughout the county

Mr. Hawkins has spent years in Prince George’s Government…. Tireless and compassionate, he is committed to public service for the right reasons – namely, to help people.

By Authority: Friends of Calvin Hawkins, Anthony Jefferson, Treasurer

“

Help protect our bees and birds this summer

By Angie Latham Kozlowski

Pollinators — bees, birds, butterflies, bats, ants and even small mammals — play a key role in food production. The United Nations Environment Programme notes that of the 100 crop varieties that provide 90% of the world’s food, almost a third are pollinated by bees. In North America alone, honeybees pollinate nearly 95 kinds of fruits, including avocados, cranberries and apples. And while many grains and similar commodity crops (including soy) typically wind-pollinate or selfpollinate, these crops can have higher yields when pollinating insects are at work, as well. We need healthy, happy pollinators to provide their critical service.

Pollinator populations have been declining since the latter part of the 20th century, and particularly in North America and Europe. We can do a lot to help ensure the well-being of pollinators, and a Laurelbased scientific research organization, the Eastern Ecological Science Center, is at the forefront of local efforts.

The center, which was formed in 2020 when the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and Leetown Science Center merged, is studying and tracking pollinator health and recently released research highlights on its website (usgs. gov/centers/eesc). This informative site also features the Native Bee Inventory and

Monitoring Laboratory – a collaboration between USGS and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

The lab supports students, academics, institutions and non-governmental organizations around the world. It has developed identification guides for more than 1,500 species of native bees and stinging wasps, and is increasing its efforts to understand the complex subject of beeplant interactions, too. Land previously used to raise endangered cranes within the Patuxent Research Refuge is now planted with native pollinator plants, and researchers have documented at least 200 species of bees in the new plantings. Some of these

Free Estate Planning Seminar

plants will be used create other biodiverse habitats for the bees, as well.

Pollinators need friendly home gardens, too, in order to survive and thrive — and there are many things we can do to help. Adding native trees, shrubs and plants to your yard or garden is one of the most beneficial things you can do, especially if you select plants that are pollinators’ favorites. Even a small wildflower garden will add to the ever-increasing number of pollinator-friendly habitats we have here. Removing invasive plants and limiting the use of fertilizers and pesticides will also help keep bees safe. Offering pollinators food, access to water and shelter goes a long way to save them — and our food supply, too. And providing safe, healthy natural environments and food are critical for our essen-

tial bugs, bats and birds, too. While good bugs — all those bugs we want to encourage — often succumb to habitat loss and pesticide exposure, birds are up against another challenge: glass windows. And trends in architecture have led to a dramatic increase in fatal bird strikes. Researchers estimate that one billion birds are killed every year in collisions with glass windows and building fronts. And birds don’t discern; they strike commercial and home windows alike. You can take inexpensive steps to reduce window strikes at home. The easiest thing to do is to create a visual signal alerting birds that they’re flying at a barrier. Applying decals to your windows, marking windows with patterned tape, hanging shiny CDs or drawing on your windows (erasable chalk or markers are great for this) all help birds avoid crashes. If your windows have blinds, keep them at least partially closed. Consider installing outdoor shades or canopies over your windows and be sure to use screens. And hang bird feeders relatively close to your home — no more than 10 feet from a wall or sliding glass door is ideal. As a bird flies from a feeder toward your home, it won’t be able to gain much speed over a short distance and likely wouldn’t hit a window too hard.

Want to do more? Consider volunteering with one of the many environmental committees in the city. For more information, go to cityoflaurel.org/green/get-involved.

A small wildflower garden will add to the ever-increasing number of pollinator-friendly habitats we have in our area. COURTESY OF PEXELS

Laurel valedictorian overcame challenges

By Joe Murchison

Laurel High School’s 2022 valedictorian reported that the graduation party her parents held for her in May was fun, and potentially more than fun; indeed, it may have pointed her toward a career.

Jeraldin España, 18, said she was talking at the party with the owners of the construction company where her father works. “They were telling me things were going to be more electrical as time goes on,” she said.

Heading to the University of Maryland, College Park with a full scholarship, España said she will take prerequisite courses for the university’s engineering school, where she hopes to major in electrical engineering.

At Laurel High, España was in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and finished with a 4.51 grade-point average.

She grew up in Takoma Park and Hyattsville and went to Greenbelt Middle School, a magnet school where she was in a gifted and talented pro-

gram. After considering the science and technology program at Eleanor Roosevelt High and the aerospace engineering curriculum at DuVal, España chose Laurel’s IB program, just as one of her two older sisters had. Both of her sisters went on to study at College Park.

España’s mother immigrated to the U.S. from El Salvador, and her father came from Guatemala. Each had only a primaryschool education. They met and married here.

España said being a child of immigrants brought its share of challenges. She attended a gifted and talented program at Glenarden Woods Elementary, where most of the students seemed to come from more affluent families. She recalled being sensitive about whether her clothes made her look poor.

Her parents didn’t always understand her choices. “My mom had really conservative beliefs when she came over from El Salvador. … Women should be doing things in the house, taking care of their husbands, taking care of their children, learning how to cook. I didn’t want to get near the kitchen,” she noted. But they also influenced her success in school. “My dad made sure to reinforce the importance of doing well in school. He said, ‘If you do well in school, you’ll do well in life.’”

In middle school, España had an argument with another student about some now-forgotten issue; “He told me to go back to the border where I came from,” she recalled.

But España didn’t hear that kind of comment at Laurel High. “Laurel High is so diverse that you will rarely come across anyone who doesn’t like you. People are really accepting,” she said.

21st District Democratic Team

Laurel Voter

Dear Laurel neighbors,

For the past four years, Delegates

Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman, and Senator Jim Rosapepe have represented Laurel in the Maryland legislature. We’ve done our best to help working and retired families and keep Laurel a good place to live.

Our recommendations for the July 19th Democratic primary are here. party is blessed with several great candidates for Governor, Attorney General, and US House. While we don’t have specific recommendations for those races, we know them and look forward to working hard for whichever wins the Democratic Primary.

If you have questions or would like to discuss any of the candidates, just email us at 21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com or call us at 240-712-4646.

Many thanks!

Ben, Jim, Mary, Joseline

New memorial at St. Mary of the Mills honors slaves

By Chris Folks

St. Mary of the Mills Catholic church in Laurel celebrated Juneteenth, which was formally recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, by placing a granite stone with an engraved plaque in the church’s cemetery. The memorial is a tribute to enslaved men, women and children who are buried in unmarked graves throughout the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.

The move to create a memorial began in the Archdiocese about two years ago, but the pandemic caused delays in bringing the effort to fruition.

Rev. Larry Young, pastor at St. Mary of the Mills, said “divine choreography” brought everything together for placement of the stone on the Juneteenth holiday. Generous donations from St. Mary of Mills parishioners laid the groundwork for the memorial, as well.

To foster a spirit of reconciliation and unity throughout the community, Young and parish-

Comptroller

Brooke Lierman

US Senator

Chris Van Hollen

State Senator

Jim Rosapepe

House of Delegates

Ben Barnes

Mary A. Lehman

Joseline Peña-Melnyk

County Executive

Angela Alsobrooks

County Council

Tom Dernoga

Judge of the Circuit Court

Carol Ann Coderre

State’s Attorney

Aisha Braveboy

Clerk of the Circuit Court

Mahasin El Amin

ioners dedicated the marker with a prayer to the memory of enslaved people whose graves remain unmarked.

President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but slaves in Texas didn’t know they were free until Union troops arrived in Galveston on June 19, 1865. The date became one of celebration and has long been known as Juneteenth, Juneteenth Independence Day and Freedom Day. President Biden declared Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.

Register of Wills

Cereta A. Lee

Judge of the Orphans’ Court

Wendy Alise Cartwright

Jason A. DeLoach

Athena Malloy Groves

Sheriff

John D.B. Carr

Central Committee

At Large – vote for all 8

Keith R. Sydnor

Emmett V. Jordan

Keenon James

Derrick L. Coley

Kent Roberson

Clate D. Jackson

Darrell C. Odom, Sr.

Sarahita Wyatt-Paige

Central Committee

Andrew Fellows

Michelle García

Denise Mitchell

Jeraldin España is heading to the University of Maryland in the fall.

COURTESY OF JERALDIN ESPAÑA

Rev. Larry Young said “divine choreography” brought everything together for placement of the stone on the Juneteenth holiday.

COURTESY OF CHRIS FOLKS

Pallotti valedictorian headed to Gemstone Honors program

By Melanie Dzwonchyk

When schools were closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, St. Vincent Pallotti High student Ademide Adeyemo discovered a potential future career.

Adeyemo, the daughter of Laurel residents Adesola and Temitope Adeyemo, graduated in May as class valedictorian. She admitted she watched the mystery show “Criminal Minds” a lot to pass the time while staying home during the pandemic.

“‘Criminal Minds’ uses a lot of psychology,” Adeyemo said. “I decided what I wanted to do: understand people more.”

Adeyemo is now headed to the University of Maryland (UMD) where she plans to major in psychology on a pre-med track. She was accepted into the university’s selective Gemstone Honors Program, a multidisciplinary four-year research program for students across all majors.

Adeyemo said she’s also excited about UMD’s study abroad program, and while she said she doesn’t know where she wants to travel, she looks forward to “immersing myself in another culture.”

During the pandemic, which hit during her sophomore and junior years, Adeyemo went months at a time without seeing friends. Having more chances to attend school in person in her senior year was “great for me, socially,” she said.

The four-year volleyball player and swim team member said she was hospitalized numerous times as a freshman while battling chronic asthma and allergies. But she noted that the smaller class sizes at Pallotti High allowed teachers to give her individualized help, something she said she benefited from. She credits her ability to stay “on top of things” with school work, asking for extensions and communicating with her teachers as key to keeping her grades up.

Adeyemo gained valuable insight through her hospitalizations, though. She said that working with doctors allowed her to see, through a patient's eyes, what can be involved in a medical career.

Studying psychology and making plans for medical school might also be in her genes: Adeyemo has an aunt and two

Have some fun in the sun

By Katie V. Jones

with the refuge.

Ademide Adeyemo was accepted into the University of Maryland's Gemstone Honors Program.

COURTESY OF ADEMIDE ADEYEMO

grandparents who are doctors. “If they can do it and survive, then I can do it and survive,” she said.

Over the summer, Adeyemo is competing with the Russett Sharks swim team in the Prince–Mont Swim League, a summer program with swimmers from the District and seven Maryland counties.

Looking back at her time at Pallotti High, Adeyemo said one class that stands out was AP calculus, which she took in her senior year. The class, with teacher Jeremy Rheam, was made up of all female students.

“I thought it was very, very cool,” Adeyemo said. “Pallotti’s math brains were all girls.”

The dog days of summer are upon us. With gas prices at record highs, many people are choosing to spend their vacations close to home. Around Laurel, there are plenty of places to explore for a memorable summer.

PATUXENT RESEARCH REFUGE

North Tract, 230 Bald Eagles Drive, Laurel; South Tract, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, Laurel. 301.497.5887

Every day at noon, volunteers at Patuxent Research Center release monarch butterflies as part of the South Tract’s Monarch Magic drop-in program. The popular program is designed for all ages and is just one of many free activities that visitors can enjoy at the refuge, whose north and south tracts straddle Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties.

“There are lots of interesting ways to learn about native wildlife and experience wildlife up close,” said Diana Ogilvie, a park ranger

The North Tract offers 15 miles of trails for walking, biking and horseback riding and has a visitor information station. The schedule of activities during July and August includes several themed bicycle rides, and a photo scavenger hunt on Aug. 13 will send visitors searching for sculptured stones, plants and animals — along with some mystery items. Interactive nature hikes on July 23 and Aug. 27 will focus on local history and pollinators and their habitat.

The South Tract features five miles of walking and hiking trails and has a nature center. Visitors can join in a variety of programs at the center, including a meet and greet with reptiles or native owls, and an introduction to to planting pollinator gardens. The refuge, which is under the auspices of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, hosts a Junior Wildlife Ranger program through the Earth Island Institute (juniorwildliferanger.org).

“They do the activity, and when they complete the book, they get a patch,” Ogilvie said. “There are a

SEE SUMMER FUN ON 8 

Ci ty of L aurel L edger

THE INAUGURAL CITY OF LAUREL LEDGER INSERT HAS ARRIVED!

Welcome to your new local insert, The Laurel Ledger!

Each month, the City of Laurel will take these 4 pages, entitled The City of Laurel Ledger, within the Laurel Independent, and bring you what’s happening in and around the City, highlight one of our exceptional Departments, give you the Green News for the month and let the City Council touch base with you about new legislation they have passed and what they have going on in the community.

This is all being brought to you through a non-profit company called Streetcar Suburbs Publishing, Inc. They currently publish newspapers for the Cities of Hyattsville and College Park to provide local news for their cities and we are pleased to become part of their Route 1 corridor community.

This will be a monthly venture and will come out around the second week of each month. You will be able to find their paper boxes around town and we will have copies at all City facilities.

If you have a story idea, pictures or news tips, or maybe you would like to write an opinion piece, submit them to https://streetcarsuburbs.news/about-us/ or mail them to Streetcar Suburbs Publishing, P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781.

Operating as a non-profit, The Laurel Independent relies on the dedication of their core staff members, board members, as well as countless volunteers. Have a business? Consider advertising! You can find more information at https://streetcarsuburbs.news/advertise/.

CATCH UP WITH...THE LAUREL POLICE DEPART MENT

The Laurel Police Department is a full -service police agency serving the citizens of the City of Laurel by providing the full range of police services to a diverse, vibrant and engaged community. The women and men of the Laurel Police Department are fully committed to serving the people of Laurel by providing public safety services while maintaining a strong positive presence within Laurel via community engagement.

The Laurel Police Department consists of a diverse professional and sworn work staff, including 23 dedicated professional civilian members, as well as 70 committed sworn law enforcement members that provide a full range of law enforcement responsibilities within Laurel. As a full-service agency, the Laurel Police Department is solely responsible for police services within the City and strives for excellence in protecting and serving our communities.

RECRUITMENT

One of the most important challenges facing police departments across the country is recruitment and retention of both sworn officers and civilian employees. Chief Russell E. Hamill, III is dedicated to making recruitment one of his top priorities to ensure we have the proper staffing by hiring the right people to serve and protect the City of Laurel.

This is a tough time to make the decision to become a police officer and this sentiment is not lost on us. However, the Laurel Police Department is a family of women and men who work together to support one another and to bravely serve the city of Laurel. We are blessed to serve in a supportive community. Our recruitment team is working diligently to think outside of the box to find new and innovative ways to hire the best candidates for our Department. For more information on available jobs, visit: https:// www.cityoflaurel.org/baps/jobs.

MD SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH RUN

We recently ran our annual Law Enforcement Torch Run through the streets of Laurel to raise money and

awareness for Special Olympics of Maryland. This year, our own, Corporal John Mrozek was chosen as the Maryland State Representative for the Final Leg of the Torch Run to kick off the Special Olympics Games. It was an honor to have one of our officers represent the state.

CRIME TRENDS

One of the most troubling crime trends we are currently dealing with is stolen vehicles. In fact, in the last couple of weeks we have arrested 16 juveniles for being in stolen vehicles. The most common vehicles stolen are the Hyundai Elantra, Kia Soul, and Kia Optima. The hot spots for theft have remained consistent year to date. The apartment complexes surrounding Fourth St, Eighth St, the Laurel Towne Centre and the Open Center are areas that have seen multiple thefts. As evidenced by the high number of arrests, we take this seriously. Following are some tips that you can follow to make your vehicle less likely to be stolen:

• Lock your vehicle!

• Don’t leave your keys in your vehicles and roll the windows up.

• Never leave a running vehicle unattended.

• Keep your spare keys at home, at the office, or with a family member. Do not attach a spare key to the underside of your vehicle.

Or you can donate. Your contribution will help them and us continue to bring valuable news to our community. They use the Omella platform for donations and it can be found at https:// streetcarsuburbs.news/donate/.

Stay in the know and turn to The Laurel Independent for all your local news!

• Store purses, backpacks, gym bags and electronics in your trunk or hide them under the seats, well out of view.

• Be wary of where you park, especially at night. Try to find a parking space as close to the entrance of the building as possible and in a well lit area.

GRATITUDE

This year the Laurel Police Family had to deal with an issue that we all fear. One of our officers was shot in the line of duty while working to keep the City safe and it was one of the scariest moments we have had to face as a Department. We are grateful that this officer was able to make a full recovery and return to full duty.

The outpouring of support from our community was humbling for all of us. Words cannot express the respect and honor we have for his family, the doctors and nurses at Shock Trauma, and to this wonderful community for coming together to support our Department and to pray for his speedy recovery.

As Chief Hamill said, “It is not lost on us how blessed we are and how even more tragic this event could have been.”

IT’ S EASY BEING GREEN…

GREEN LIVING IN THE CITY OF LAUREL!

Laurel has a Green Living page on their website that you’ll want to visit! It ’s a hub for residents and businesses to explore and support Laurel’s sustainability initiatives. Each month we will highlight ways to get involved, be heard, make a difference and share tips on composting, recycling, Bee City, pollinator gardens and resident events.

Sustainability

The City of Laurel defines sustainability as meeting the environmental, social, and economic needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. As such, the City of Laurel is committed to moving its operations and the community towards a more sustainable future that considers the following:

• Planet - practicing responsible environmental management and conservation.

• People - embracing social equity, fairness, health, and wellness.

We Want to Hear from YOU!

Do you want a more bike friendly Laurel? More accessible recycling options? Expand our curbside organics collection? What does One and Done really do? How can we reduce methane gas emissions and what is methane gas? Do you want to support Green businesses in Laurel? We have compiled a list of local businesses that support at least one or more of the City’s sustainable goals.

What can we all do to improve life for

our residents, businesses and our environment in Laurel?

Explore the Green Living webpage and learn how Laurel is moving toward a more sustainable future.

Project of the Month: Summer is here! We would all love to enjoy the outdoors and hang out in our backyards, but you know what else likes to hang out in our backyards? Mosquitoes! So our Project of the Month is sharing the best ways to reduce mosquito populations without the use of chemicals like Tip It or Toss It! Watch the video on Green Living and get additional tips on ways to make your garden more people friendly.

Empty out containers! Old tires, children’s toys, clogged gutters, bird baths, flower pots, cans, bottles, wading pools and pet water dishes to name just a few, can provide fertile breeding grounds for mosquitoes! In addition to “containers,” any low-lying areas in your yards that can hold water up to seven days may also be a mosquito breeding ground. Stopping mosquitoes at the larva stage is critical to mosquito control.

The Environmental Programs Manager can assist with providing additional information regarding the breeding habits and lifecycle of mosquitoes, as well as an update on the status of spraying.

If you would like additional information, please contact the Office of the City Administrator at 301-725-5300.

The Green Living page can be found on the City of Laurel ’s website at https://www.cityoflaurel.org/green

¡BIENVENIDO A SU NUE VO PERIÓDICO LOCAL!

¡Bienvenido a su nuevo periódico local, The Laurel Independent!

Cada mes, la Ciudad de Laurel tomará estas 4 páginas, tituladas The City of Laurel Ledger dentro del periódico Laurel Independent, y le traerá lo que sucede en la ciudad y sus alrededores, destacará uno de nuestros departamentos excepcionales, le dará las noticias del medio ambiente del mes y tambien le dara la oportunidad al Concejo Municipal a que se comunique con usted sobre las nuevas legislaciones que han aprobado y lo que está pasando en la comunidad.

Este será un periódico mensual y saldrá alrededor de la segunda semana de cada mes. Tendremos copias en todas las instalaciones de la ciudad.

Manténgase informado y recurra a The Laurel Independent para obtener todas las noticias locales!

L aurel Co o uncil Connection s

Legislation

Listed below are recent legislative actions taken by the Laurel City Council during past Mayor and City Council meetings. For further information on any of these legislative actions, please feel free to contact the Office of the City Clerk at 301 -725-5300 x2121 or at clerk@laurel.md.us

Adopted Legislation:

Ordinance No. 1998, an ordinance adopting the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, and to levy property taxes; and to authorize the collection of such taxes.

Resolution No. 4-22, a resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland for the purpose of designating the City of Laurel, Maryland as a Bee City USA ®affiliate and providing an effective date.

Charter Resolution No. 175, a Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to amend Article 300 of the Charter of the City of Laurel entitled “Government” by amending Section 311, “Salary of councilmembers” to provide the method of calculation for, and the timing of any salary adjustments for city councilmembers.

Charter Resolution No. 176, a Charter Resolution of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland to amend Article 300 of the Charter of the City of Laurel entitled “Government” by amending Section 351, “Salary of the mayor” to provide the manner of calculation for, and the timing of any salary adjustments for the mayor.

Approved Bid Recommendations:

 Flood Warning System - Office of Emergency Management - $181,000

 Microsoft License AgreementDepartment of Information Technology - $74,144

 CivicPlus Web Design - Department of Information Technology - $60,000

Confirmed Mayoral Appointments:

 Ronald Peterson, Chair, Juneteenth Celebration Planning Committee

 Sandra Choute, Vice Chair, Juneteenth Celebration Planning Committee

 Jahbria Smith-Whitehead, Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration Planning Committee

clerk@laurel.md.us

 Michele Keating, Pride Day Celebration Planning Committee

 Janice Blitz, Environmental Affairs Committee

 Anjali Wells, Arts Council

City Announceme nts & Events

 Mosquito Control Spraying on Sundays through September - Visit https:// www.cityoflaurel.org/em/mosquito-control-program for more information and how to opt out.

 Friday Flicks at Granville Gude Park -

 July 8th - Encanto - 8:30pm

 July 15th - Luca - 8:30pm

 July 22nd - Raya and the Last Dragon - 8:30pm

 July 29th - The Emoji Movie - 8:15pm

 Outdoor Concert at Granville Gude Park

 August 5th - Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute Band - 7:00 - 9:00pm

 Touch-A-Truck at Emancipation Park

 July 25th - 6:30 - 8:30pm

 Teen Trips

 July 13th - National Harbor

 July 20th - Ocean City

 August 3rd - Luray Caverns

 National Night Out at Granville Gude Park

 August 2nd - 6:00 - 9:00pm

July Government Meetings

 July 11 - Virtual Mayor and City Council (6:00p)

 July 12 - Planning Commission (6:00p)

 July 19 - Historic District Commission (6:00p)

 July 20 - City Hall in the Park - CANCELLED

 July 25 - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00p)

August Government Meetings

 All government meetings suspended for the month of August.

 August 8 - My Time with the Mayor - Robert J. DiPietro Community CenterCANCELLED

For more details about these and other legislation, visit Municode at https:// library.municode.com/md/laurel/codes/

 August 17 - City Hall in the Park - Greenview Drive Pool - CANCELLED

Public Works Monthly Glance

Are you looking to give back to the Laurel community? The Office of Emergency Management has two great opportunities for you: the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and the Greater Laurel Canteen Association.

The CERT program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills such as physical assessments and first aid, disaster preparedness, utility control and shut off and much more. By getting trained in CERT, you will have the skills to assist the City in events and emergencies.

The Greater Laurel Canteen Association is comprised of dedicated, civilian volunteers that assist response efforts to provide meals, refreshments, and encouragement to our public safety personnel at emergency incidents and special events.

For more information or to join either program, please contact Laurel’s Emergency Manager, Chrissy Cornwell, at 301-725-5300 x2232 or ccornwell@laurel.md.us

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Send your event information to Katie V. Jones at katie@ StreetcarSuburbs.news.

JULY 18-19

Support Laurel Cats. Ledo Pizza will donate a portion of diners’ checks to Laurel Cats. To participate, download a flier at laurelcats.org/fundraisers and present it when you’re paying. 14609 Baltimore Ave.

JULY 21

Laurel Board of Trade Monthly Networking. Virtual opportunity to meet and network with local business people; Laurel Board of Trade membership is not required. 12:15 p.m. For more information and meeting link, go to laurelboardoftrade.org, email laurelboardoftrade383@gmail. com or call 301.483.0838

AUG. 7

Annual Car & Bike Show. Hosted by the Sons of the American Legion, Laurel Post 60, the show features vendors, an auction, music by DJ “K” and dash plaques and awards presented for Top 30, Best of Show and Commander’s Choice. Bring old, faded American flags for retirement and receive a new one (while supplies last). 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2 Main St. Registration for car owners $20 day of show. For more information, contact Mike Templeton at 443.336.3700 Rain date to TBD.

ONGOING

What’s Cookin’, Laurel? Restaurants, Recipes & Community. Exhibit at the Laurel Museum explores the many ways we connect with our past and each other

through food. Discover Laurel’s farmers, restaurants, food stores, African American traditions and community cookbooks. Free. Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, noon to 4 p.m., through Dec.18. 817 Main St. for more information, go to info@laurelhistoricalsociety. org or call 301.725.7975

Black Is… Photo exhibit about the Black experience featuring works by Cheriss May, Dee Dwyer, Tone Mobley and André Chung. Free. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Aug. 7. Main Gallery, Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road. 301.377.7800

Masks and Mirrors: Beautiful Reflections. Solo exhibit featuring abstract expressionist paintings and figurative sculptures by Elaine Weiner-Reed. Free. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. through July 31. Library Gallery, Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road. 301.377.7800

Bingo at American Legion Post 60. Friday night bingo every week, 23 games with cash prizes. Food and drinks for purchase. Doors open at 5 p.m.; bingo starts at 7:30 p.m. 2 Main St. 301.725.2302.

ENTERTAINMENT

Love Letters: Play by A.R. Gurney. Directed and produced by Maureen Rogers and featuring performances by local residents. General admission $15. Runs through July 24. For performance schedule and to purchase tickets, go to laurelmillplayhouse. org. For more information, call 301.452.2557 or contact Maureen Rogers at lmp508main@gmail. com

Summer concert series. Towne Centre Laurel continues its free summer concert series with Proverbs Reggae, July 14; Todd Ledbetter, the Jazz Psalmist, July 21; The Influence, July 28; Edwin Ortiz Y La Mafia Del Guaguanco, Aug. 4; Tony Roy and Yawd Lynk, Aug. 11; J Castro, Aug.18; and Harmonee & Co, Aug. 25. All concerts start at 7 p.m. 14828 Baltimore Ave. For more information, go to visittcl.com/

CAMPS

Archaeology Summer Camp at Laurel Museum. Learn about archaeology and Native American life along the Patuxent River. Open to students entering grades 5 to 7. Free; limited space. Aug. 1 to 5, from 9 to 11 a.m., Laurel Museum, 817 Main St. Email info@laurelhistoricalsociety.org to register.

GSK Science in the Summer Camp. Discover the world of science through hands-on activities developed by GlaxoSmithKline at a camp sponsored by the Laurel Historical Society. Open to students entering grades 2 to 6. Free; limited space. Aug. 8 to 12, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Municipal Pool Room, Ninth and Main Sts. Email info@laurelhistoricalsociety.org to register.

FOOD PANTRIES & DISTRIBUTIONS

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, in partnership with Capital Area Food Bank, offers food distributions on the third Sunday of every month; next distribution is July 17. 9 a.m. to noon. Sixth and Prince George streets.

Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services. Food pantry is open by appointment only Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday evenings from 5 to 7:30 p.m. 311 Laurel Ave. To schedule a visit, call 301.776.0442

Prayer Tower Church Community food pantry, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 12 N. Second St. For more information, call 240.583.0996 or go to prayertowerchurch.org/food

Fish of Laurel food pantry, Thursday and Saturday, from 10:15 a.m. to noon. 308 Gorman Ave. By appointment only. To schedule, call 240.547.9013.

Living Hope Church distributions, Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 613 Montgomery

St. For more information, call 301.497.6424

Grab & Go Groceries at Grace 2 Grace Center, Royal House Chapel, starting Saturday, July 23 and continuing every other Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon. 7911 Bray Green Road. For more information, call 301.437.9441 or email charismafoodbank@gmail. com

St. Mary of the Mills food pantry, Thursdays, 9:45 a.m. while supplies last. 114 St. Mary’s Place. Call before you come; 301.725.3080

Gospel Assembly Church Food Pantry opens July 16 and continues first and third Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. 8740 Cherry Lane, Suite 12

Jody Broughton CPDT-KA (240) 882-4765 www.socialtailwaggers.com socialtailwaggers@gmail.com

KONTERRA

FROM

Gingles explained that the initial construction phase would site 262 apartments and 219 townhouses on 21 acres on the east side of the property, near Konterra Drive and north of Route 200 (the Intercounty Connector/ICC). He said the price range for the homes had not been established.

Caleb Gould, who attended the briefing, said the family intended to make Konterra a thoroughly high-end project.

“Our long-term goal is to build the highest quality the market allows, and I think we have a track record of doing that,” he said.

Gingles said the town houses and apartments would be followed in late 2023 or early 2024 by construction of an adjoining 40-acre entertainment district, which would border I-95.

Rich McCoy, executive vice president of Konterra Realty, said the district could include a cinema, indoor race car track, golf facility, video game center and rope climbing venue.

“We’re very hopeful that we will land a high-end grocer,” Gingles added.

Attendees at the briefing asked about potential impacts to traffic in the area. Gingles

said the Gould family had already established new roads, including Konterra Drive, designed to handle the projected traffic increase for the full build-out of Konterra. The land is served by two major highways: I-95 and the ICC.

Gould said his family wanted to include Laurel businesses in Konterra’s development plans, as well as artists who could provide public art. (Interested persons can contact Gingles at andre@ginglesllc.com.) He said that the Gould family viewed Konterra as a complement to the city of Laurel and hopes

that both could benefit from each other's growth.

Gingles stated that Konterra would be completed over the course of years.

“Typically, a project this size will take 15 or 20 years to fully build out,” he noted.

The founder of Konterra, Kingdon Gould Jr. (Caleb Gould’s father), purchased the land in the early ‘80s and spent most of the next four decades leading Konterra’s planning and overseeing early construction phases. He died in 2018.

Kingdon Gould, who served as U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands and Luxembourg in the late 1960s and ‘70s, had broad experience as a developer in the District. He came by his expertise honestly; his great-grandfather was Jay Gould, a 19th century railroad magnate and financial speculator who was, during his lifetime, among the richest men in the nation.

Kingdon Gould once observed that being able to purchase more than 2,000 acres of open land at the center of the Baltimore-Washington region – essentially a blank canvas in the middle of one of this nation’s most populous and educated metropolitan areas – presented a rare opportunity. That opportunity now rests with his children to fulfill.

SUMMER FUN

FROM PAGE 6

lot of activities.”

Many of the programs take place outdoors, Ogilvie noted, as there are still restrictions in place due to the pandemic. Masks are optional, but Ogilvie does recommend that visitors check with the appropriate county before visiting if they have concerns. (If visitingthe North Tract, Anne Arundle County: aahealth.org/ covid19/; if visiting the South Tract, Prince George’s County: princegeorgescountymd.gov/ 3397/Coronavirus)

“We are kind of isolated where we are,” Ogilvie said. “People say they’ve lived here 20 years and never knew we were here.”

DINOSAUR PARK

13100 Mid-Atlantic Boulevard, Laurel. 301.627.1286

The first and third Saturday of every month, amateur paleontologists of all ages can search for fossils and dinosaur bones at Dinosaur Park in Laurel. While no actual digging is allowed, there is plenty to find by sifting through the dirt if one has a good eye and a little patience — so says J. P. Hodnett, paleontologist and program coordinator at the park, which is under the auspices of the Maryland-National Capital Park and

Planning Commission.

“It is pretty amazing what people find,” Hodnett said. “The best fossils are found by children under the age of 5.”

The fossils found at Dinosaur Park typically date back some 110 million years ago, Hodnett said, thus predating the Tyrannosaurus rex by 50 million years. Remains of the Astrodon (Astrodon johnstoni), Maryland’s state dinosaur, have been found at the park, as have the remains of the herbivore Priconodon, an armored dinosaur that lived primarily in and around Prince George’s County. In 2014, erosion due to weather revealed a large bone identified as from an Acrocanthosaurus, one of the largest theropods that existed. Plans to excavate around the bone were delayed due to the enormity of the project.

“It was a bigger dig than we thought,” said Hodnett. The excavation is scheduled to resume in the fall.

Visitors may find fossilized fragments of wood and bone, teeth and plants — even turtles. All fossils found here belong to the park, though people who unearth them can receive credit for their finds, Hodnett noted.

The park also has a playground and an interpretive garden. A life-size replica of the dinosaur Deinonychus — terrible claw! —is also on display.

Rich McCoy, executive vice president of Konterra Realty, said the district could include a cinema, indoor race car track, golf facility, video game center and rope climbing venue.

elections will almost certainly decide who holds these seats, as only Democrats are running in these races.

Below you will find statements from candidates for the two at-large county council seats; winners in this race represent the entire county.

For statewide seats, our colleagues at Maryland Matters publish an online election guide (marylandmatters.org/ election-2022). For the Prince George’s County executive race, we refer you to our colleagues at The Washington Informer (bit.ly/3uAqb5y). For other races, see our own frequently updated local election content at streetcarsuburbs.news

Key dates for the primary election: July 7-14: Early in-person voting

July 19: Primary Election Day

You must be a registered Democrat to cast a vote for these candidates in the primary. You can find your polling place at elections. maryland.gov/voting/where.html.

RUDY D. ANTHONY

Age: 33

Day Job: Cybersecurity engineer

Community Involvement: Volunteer with Ben Jealous for governor campaign, volunteer at Martha’s table, volunteer at my daughter’s PGCPS school, cheer dad and Marine Corps veteran.

Statement to Voters: Change in our county is very imperative at this moment. We’ve gone through a pandemic and we are facing a changing economy and way of life here in Prince George’s County. My plea to voters is to vote for that change, because the future is now. As a cyber security engineer, I know how important it is for our residents to be trained in those occupations of the future, and as a single father I know how important it is to improve public schools in the county. Please vote Rudy D. Anthony when you go to the polls.

SAM ELIRA

Elira did not respond to Streetcar Suburbs News’ request for a submission.

LEO EYOMBO

Age: 49

Day Job: Businessman/visiting assistant professor at Howard University Community Involvement: Knight of Columbus, Special Olympics, One Love Charity Statement to Voters: Eyombo is a resident of Prince George’s County, and a proud graduate of Prince George’s County Public School (Suitland High School C/O 1990). He is a father, businessman, clinician, professor, academician, author, healthcare executive, education application executive, International development expert, a Christian, and a 4th degree Knight of Columbus.

Welcome to the heart of the minority community (Prince George’s County). The BEST county in the GREAT state of Maryland. As the world is evolving, we, the people of Prince George’s County need to be proactive in accommodating and implementing the best laws and regulations to improve the lives of our citizens. I am running for County Council because there are many people that feel left-out from the decisions made by the County Council.

• Rent: As home prices have increased in the county, so does the price of rent. As homeowners seek and deserve a tax relief, renters should at least be given five days more to pay their rents. Yes, renters too. Not everybody is a homeowner.

Why does Prince George’s County, makes its citizen pay rent on the fifth of every month, while one of the RICHEST County in the United States (Montgomery County, Maryland) let their citizens pay rent on the 10 th of every month? Our Prince Georges County citizen deserve a five day financial break to pay rent on the 10th of every month. The County Council should implement a law to let our citizen pay rent on the 10th of every month.

• Traffic Citations: If you are sick of traffic camera that have nothing to do with Safety. PLEASE JOIN ME IN BRING THIS PUNITIVE TAX ON THE POOR TO ORDER. Without good scientific data they should be no justification of this punitive tax on the citizens of Prince George’s County.

Leo will fight for the citizens of Prince George’s County like a LION!

CALVIN HAWKINS

Hawkins did not respond to Streetcar Suburbs News’ request for a submission.

STANFORD FRASER

Age: 31

Day Job: Assistant Public Defender for the last five years- Maryland Office of the Public Defender

Community Involvement: Legal volunteer with community legal services of Prince George’s County. Member of Progressive Maryland- Reentry Work Group. Member of J Franklyn Bourne Bar Association and Prince George’s County Young Democrats.

Statement to Voters: I’m running for County Council because Prince George’s County needs a Council that listens. Together we can improve public safety by bringing public health first responders to the County, we can improve our schools by raising teacher pay and expanding our community schools, and we can improve economic development by supporting smart growth instead of expensive sprawl communities. Please vote for Stanford Fraser for County Council At Large.

MEL FRANKLIN

Age: 46

Day Job: I am a full-time Prince George's County Council Member, in his third term. I am also an attorney.

Community Involvement: I am a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a public school Dad with two kids in PGCPS, and an honorary member of the 100 Black Men of Prince George's County.

Statement to Voters: I’m running for re-election to dramatically build on the great progress we've made over the past 12 years. My platform is the Empower Prince George’s Agenda and can be found at www.empowerprincegeorges.com. This agenda would transform every part of our quality of life, like building new schools and academic programs, cutting taxes for seniors, teachers, and first responders, making Prince George’s County the small business and start-up capital of

COMMISSIONED SALES OPPORTUNITY!

Are you outgoing? Organized? Self-motivated?

The Laurel Independent, your monthly community newspaper, is looking to expand our display advertising sales team with the right person to help local businesses grow.

Previous media sales experience is not required. Willingness to learn, work independently, and promote the “value of local” is a MUST!

Want to know more? Email Mike McLaughlin at Mike@StreetcarSuburbs.News

the Greater Washington region, expanding access to affordable health care, and reinvesting in public transit, roads, and the environment. I hope you'll vote for me and this agenda for creating equity and opportunity for all of our families.

JONATHAN WHITE

Age: 48

Day Job: I am a retired veteran. My entire life has involved service. From my 20 years in the United States Air Force and 10 years with the federal government, this taught me discipline, teamwork, and developed me as a leader. I worked hard all my life, earning a bachelors, 2 master’s, and graduate certificate from the National Intelligence University. I have accepted the challenge to run for Prince George’s County Council at-large seat and represent the entire Prince George’s County at a higher level of trust and service. I bring a fresh, new perspective with a wide range of personal and professional experiences that will contribute greatly to the growth of our county.

Community Involvement: In both my public and professional lives, I have been a positive, decisive, innovative, gracious leader who understands the importance of cooperation and teamwork to achieve goals. I have served as the Co-Chair of the Special Education Citizens’ Advisory Committee (SECAC) of Prince George’s County, my neighborhood safety committee, and I have been a high school lacrosse coach at a local high school.

Statement to Voters: Serving the community and the needs of the children in our schools are my priorities. With our increasing population growth, I hear from residents that public safety and crime is a concern. I support funding of the police department back to levels needed to manage the growing population. I support balanced, no-tax-increase budgets, while restoring and providing for additional public safety, essential services, and economic opportunities. It’s about working collaboratively and bringing partners together to find solutions to make government work for you. There are the issues: https://fb.watch/ e34Fva_aIT/ .

VOLUNTEER WRITERS WANTED!

Laurel’s new newspaper, The Laurel Independent, has hit the ground writing and reporting, but we need your help to bring home the news every month.

If you have a local story to tell or if you just have a writing itch that needs to be scratched, contact our managing editor, Katie Jones, at Katie@StreetcarSuburbs. News.

Many tasty tidbits are served up in the retro-designed exhibit, including a look at local farms and grocery stores of yesteryear, and explorations of the role of food and faith among Black families in the Grove neighborhood, dining out both past and present, and kitchens of different eras. The exhibit also includes a collection of historical cookbooks and imaginative depictions of the future of food.

“It’s been very positive overall,” Bennet said, noting visitor reaction to the exhibit. “Many people are connected to the nostalgia of it.”

“What’s Cookin’, Laurel?” features a milk jug voting system for visitors to select their favorite local restaurants in a series of rotating categories, and cards are available for guests to copy down enticing recipes they want to try at home.

The exhibit includes a list of some 200 now-shuttered Laurel restaurants, too. Just before the exhibit opened, the city’s beloved Pasta Plus, which served its last customers in late December and announced its permanent closure in January, made it onto that list. Dedicated Laurel Historical

Society volunteers quickly interviewed owners Max and Sabatino Mazziotti and grabbed some souvenirs from the restaurant to add to the museum’s collection. The exhibit includes a guestbook in which customers can record their favorite stories of dining at Pasta Plus; after the exhibit closes, the museum will share the guestbook with the Mazziotti brothers.

The food-themed exhibit ushers in a return to normalcy after the pandemic disrupted the museum’s more normal operations. The exhibit “Unpacking Laurel’s Past: 150 Years on Display” had only been open for six weeks of its expected 10-month run when the pandemic forced its closure in March 2020. The sesquicentennial

celebrations designed around the city’s milestone anniversary were quashed. Also canceled were three years’ worth of scheduled galas, events that had traditionally been the museum’s largest fundraising events. In-person shopping at the museum store ground to a halt, and membership renewals were suspended for a year. All revenue sources took a hit, Bennett said, and the number of donors and volunteers declined.

Still, Bennett noted, the historical society was fortunate to have dedicated board members and staff, smart investments and support from the city of Laurel, which owns the museum building, and from Prince George’s County.

Bennett noted that the pandem-

ic pushed the historical society to focus on what it does best and evaluate how it can strengthen partnerships, going forward.

The museum reopened in June 2021 with the exhibit “2020: What a Year!” that explored the city’s response to the pandemic, racial justice issues that dominated 2020 and the truncated celebration of the city’s 150th anniversary. The exhibit placed a spotlight on the historical society’s efforts at what is known in historical circles as rapid response collecting — in this case, gathering materials related to the pandemic and local social and racial justice protests.

“This was a way we could save Laurel’s past and present for its future,” Bennett said. “We wanted to give the most complete picture that we could of 2020 and 2021.”

The museum also offered two smaller rotating exhibits this spring marking the 50th anniversaries of both the George Wallace shooting and Hurricane Agnes.

Education has been a priority for the historical society in recent years. LHS offered virtual summer camps in 2020 and hybrid summer camps in 2021, and has returned to in-person summer camps this year. The society continues to offer virtual presentations, which have allowed it to

reach a wider audience than its pre-pandemic, in-person offerings did. One session last fall, which was held in conjunction with The Crystal Fox, focused on the history of Halloween; more than 200 people from all over the country participated — and the popular program even brought in a few international guests.

“We’re in a good place to expand our mindset and basic operations,” Bennett noted.

Laurel resident Alexandra Jones and her out-of-town guest, Jan Kushner recently visited the “What’s Cookin’, Laurel?” exhibit. Jones moved to Laurel last fall and had wanted to visit the museum. The two said the exhibit’s theme fit in perfectly with their plans for the weekend.

“We’re going to spend the day eating food,” Kushner said, laughing. “We’ll have an interim break to go learn about food.”

The exhibit also helped Jones get a better feel for her new home, she said.

“I’m glad we have our own museum,” Jones said. “I’m trying to learn about the town I moved to.”

“What’s Cookin’, Laurel?” will run until Dec. 18 at the Laurel Museum, 817 Main St., on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and donations are welcomed.

Alexandra Jones and Jan Kushner visit “What’s Cookin’, Laurel?” COURTESY OF MARY SCHNEIDAU SULLIVAN

VOTE STRAIGHT

ANGELA ANGEL FOR CONGRESS

Who is Angela Angel?

As an attorney, I prosecuted child abuse and neglect cases. In the House of Delegates, I passed more bills than any other member , ensuring increased funding for youth mental health services, fighting foreclosures and blight in our communities and holding corporations accountable for overcharging seniors. I am the ONLY candidate on the ballot that has professional experience working with all levels of government.

In Congress, I will continue to fight for YOU!

We are living in unprecedented times and facing threats like never before. It’s time to elect a fighter with a proven track record of delivering for the people of this district. My name says it all: I’m a Messenger, Servant, and Warrior.

This election has become very negative. Rather than relying on outside PACs running ads for me, I’m running on my solid undisputed record of service to this district. Visit AngelaForCongress.com to read testimonials and coverage of my work.

Record — not rhetoric — is what the people of this district need.

It’s time we send an Angel to Congress , especially a ghter like Angela.