08-2023 The Laurel Independent

Two new candidates for Laurel mayor

By Joe Murchison

Two new candidates have filed to run for Laurel mayor: Sophady Uong, 54, a project manager for the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation, and Seeta Deonauth, 25.

Uong grew up in Florida and earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Florida in 1995. He came to Maryland in 1999 and worked for the Maryland Department of Transportation and a private construction company before joining the county’s department. He moved to Laurel in 2006.

Monarch mural in the works at McCullough Field

By Aiesha Solomon

Major fossil discovery at Dinosaur Park

By Sophie Gorman Oriani

In April, paleontologists and volunteers digging at Laurel's Dinosaur Park discovered what Matthew Carrano, a paleontologist with the Smithsonian, called "certainly the most significant collection of dinosaur bones discovered along the eastern seaboard in the last hundred years,” according to a Prince George’s County July press release.

Numerous dinosaur bones, including a 3-foot-long shin bone and 4-foot-long limb bone, were discovered, according to J.P. Hodnett, the paleontologist and program coordinator at Dinosaur Park.

Hodnett is employed by the MarylandNational Capital Park and Planning Commission’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

“In a small area, seven species were found,” Hodnett said, in an interview.

“They are over 115 million years old, from the early Cretaceous period. That’s 50 million years older than the T. rex. It’s pretty exciting.”

A former riverbed where a mine once stood, Dinosaur Park is now considered a bonebed, Hodnett said, because of the multiple bones located in a geologic layer. It is the first bonebed to be discovered in Maryland since 1887.

Prince George's County acquired the

land in 1995, and the park was formally established in 2009 .

Professionals are actively digging throughout the year, Hodnett said. The public, too, can help look for fossils at open houses held on the first and third Saturdays of every month. While visitors are not allowed to dig, people have found small bones, teeth and pinecones to preserve in the park’s collections by using their eyes and sifting dirt gently with their fingers, Hodnett said.

“When people come, they help us collect and preserve fossils,” Hodnett said, adding, “Mother Nature does a lot of work for us.”

A new mural depicting the life cycle of the monarch butterfly is coming to life at Alice B. McCullough Field this summer.

A muralist and four Laurel High School interns have been painting the utility building at the field, according to Melissa Holland, the Laurel Arts Council’s treasurer. The mural is the second feature of a three-phase collaboration between the Laurel Arts Council and Laurel for the Patuxent. The project also includes a printmaking effort and installation of a native garden.

“The whole project is focused on raising awareness and educating people about how they can help support pollinators and specifically the monarch because, of course, the monarch [is] the most recognized of all butterflies, I do believe,” said Cheryl Dyer, a member of Laurel for the Patuxent, who came up with the idea.

“The way these things come to me … they

John-Paul Hodnett, paleontologist / Dinosaur Park program coordinator, with Max Bovis and Daniel Jacobs, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Dinosaur Park interpretive staff. MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION, PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

just sort of bubble forth in my imagination and that's what happened with this one, so I put it to the Laurel for the Patuxent at a meeting and then I took it to the arts council,” Dyer said in a phone interview.

The project started in April with a printmaking workshop for adults and six printmaking ses-

sions in May for fourth graders at Laurel Elementary School. During the sessions, Dyer explained the process of pollination, talked about the importance of the insects and discussed what humans can do to support insect life.

“The adult project … was [a] more complicated printmaking procedure than the one we did with the fourth graders.” Dyer said. “But then those kids, they were amazing. They designed

their own stamps. They cut it out of foam and stuck it to the little wooden blocks my husband cut out.”

The mural, which will be painted on each wall of the utility building at the field, will depict the butterfly’s life cycle. One wall will feature eggs on milkweed leaves, and the next will show a caterpillar. The third wall will depict a chrysalis, and a monarch butterfly will adorn the fourth wall. Me-

gan Alodie is the muralist leading the project.

“I actually really love the area. You can see it from far away. I think it highlights the art really well,” Alodie said. “I like there's not a lot of distraction around it so it draws you into the art. It really stands out. I feel like I’ll inspire more public art in this area.”

The interns are also learning as they participate in the project, Holland noted.

“They are learning not only about painting murals, but design techniques. How to project a small design onto a large space, like a mural, and kind of the value of public art in general. Plus, they're learning about pollinators and how murals can express community values, like staying green,” she said.

The interns were enthusiastic about their contributions to the project.

“It's been fun. It's been great,” said Amera McCain, 18. “[Alodie has] been great at giving us tips, and I’m able to learn a whole bunch of things about what it takes to paint a mural, what you're gonna do during the process and things like that.”

“I like the product that we're making. I can't wait to see how people react to it and things like that. So yeah, even though it's hot outside, I'm very excited,” Ademidun “Demi” Adegoke, 15, said.

“If [I’ll] be driving past, I’m gonna be like, ‘Hey, I worked on that. Cool,’” Imani Williams, 17, said.

“It makes me feel accomplished, because I've never done anything like this at all,” added Monica Benitez, 16.

Alodie is receiving $5,000 for her work from a state grant. The interns each receive a $300 stipend from the Laurel Arts Council’s budget for the project, which also funds materials.

“We figured, it would be about 20 to 40 hours of work. They’re out maybe two hours a day, but only

Letter

to the Editor

Managing Editor Katie V. Jones

Katie@streetcarsuburbs.news

Associate Editor Nancy Welch Nancy@streetcarsuburbs.news

Writers & Contributors Katie V. Jones, Joe Murchison, Sophie Gorman Oriani, Bob Reilly, Jimmy Rogers, Aiesha Solomon

Layout & Design Editors Ashley Perks, Valerie Morris

Web Editor Jessica Burshtynskyy

Advertising Sales Manager Amanda Berard advertising@streetcarsuburbs.news 240.408.0722

Business Manager Catie Currie

Board of Directors

President: Stephanie Stullich

Vice President & General Counsel: Michael Walls

Treasurer: Joe Murchison

Secretary: Melanie Dzwonchyk Bette Dickerson, Nora Eidelman, Joseph Gigliotti, Maxine Gross, Merrill Hartson, Marta McLellan Ross, T. Carter Ross Ex Officios: Katie V. Jones, Griffin Limerick, Elizabeth Shirley Circulation: Copies

on days that are temperate. If it's really hot, they don't come out, so that's how we figure $300, and we [are] also giving them a lot of flexibility,” Holland said in a phone interview. “They don't all have to be there at once. Some have summer jobs, and so we work around their schedules, so although it's a rather small amount, we do have a lot of flexibility.”

The Laurel Arts Council received funding for the mural from a $100,000 grant from the state’s Community Safety Works and Business District and Neighborhood Safety programs, Holland wrote in an email.

Cesar Cucufate, a former economic development coordinator, drafted the grant proposal. including the portion describing the mural and crosswalk art, with help from Robert Love, the city’s director of the Department of Economic and Community Development, Holland noted.

“Through the Laurel Department of Economic and Community Development, [Cucufate] allocated a portion of the grant, $10,000, to the Laurel Arts Council,” Holland wrote. “He suggested we split the funds between a wall mural, which is the metamorphosis project we are now sponsoring, and street crosswalk art, which we will begin in the fall.”

The project had to clear a regulatory hurdle early, as the city zoning code did not permit public art.

“Also, for the zoning code, it was Robert Love, Director of the Laurel Department of Economic and Community Development, who undertook an update of the entire city zoning code, including a new section, Art in Public Places, that allows for public art in the city. The new section was passed by the city council in early 2022,” Holland wrote.

The third phase of the project will bring a pollinator garden to the field, with planting due to take place in the fall.

I would like to express appreciation to the Laurel City Council for their July 10 vote to amend the existing plastic bag ban in Laurel to require retailers in the city to charge a minimum of ten cents for a paper bag for all consumers who request them. This charge, which is retained by the retail stores and restaurants, is intended to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags.

Laurel has often been in the forefront of instituting environmentally responsible policies, and this follows in that footprint by reducing plastic bag waste and paper bag usage and promoting use of reusable bags.

This clear-cut ordinance, which

begins January 1, 2024, is consistent with those in Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties and applies to all shoppers. Since no one needs to pay for any bags if they bring their own bag into the store, the ordinance places no financial burden on anyone, regardless of income level.

The city, in collaboration with community organizations, hopes to sponsor reusable bag give-aways well before the January 1st deadline. Stores will be required to post signage near entrances and checkout lanes to remind shoppers of the new policy and to bring their own bags. This is a new habit we can all develop.

Holly Hoglund Old Town Laurel

Every ride’s a short story

By Bob Reilly

For the past seven-plus years, one of my regular activities has been driving for Lyft; I’ve also driven for Uber during this time. Both are rideshare companies and use an app to process ride requests and payments, and for most communications.

Many users simply take using the app for granted, although I am still awestruck by the technology. With a few taps on their mobile phone, a person can arrange a pickup and drop-off for themselves or someone else, follow the progress of the driver through a GPS screen, communicate with the driver prior to pickup and even share the ride details with other people not physically on the ride itself. What many app users and riders do not see, however, is the main reason I continue to be a rideshare driver: stories. I am always inspired by the drivers and riders I spend time with and their personal life stories.

Their stories are my writing treasures.

As a writer, I am rarely disappointed in finding subject matter through meeting strangers from many places around the world and having a brief relationship as we move together through time and space in a little box on four wheels. These experiences offer me creative expression and inspiration on so many levels. Always learning, stretching and growing. I had a book published recently, Rideshare with Robert, about my lifetransforming rideshare journey of seven years — 25,000 rides and time in my car with approximately 34,000 people.

Below, I will share a story about another rideshare driver.

I regularly introduce myself to other rideshare drivers in between my rides, but I obtain most stories about other drivers from my rider clients. During one ride out of Laurel, I asked a seasoned rider if she had any notable memories of any rideshare drivers over the years.

She paused and told me about a recent ride where she was moved to tears.

The woman was getting ready for work, grabbed her phone, and requested a rideshare pickup. The driver was less than five minutes away. She hurried, ran outside and waved down the driver as he arrived. She was happily greeted by a young Hispanic man. They immediately hit it off, and she had the opportunity to practice some of her limited Spanish during their 20-minute ride. The time flew by quickly, punctuated by many light moments of laughter. As they got closer to her destination, the man divulged some devastating news. The previous day, his family was displaced due to a fire where he was living. Being new to our country, he was especially challenged to figure out what to do next. He, his wife and their three children had no place to live.

The woman rider was stunned by his story.

She asked him how he could

be so spirited and encouraging to a total stranger, given all he was experiencing in his personal life.

He explained that in his home country, Nicaragua, there is a popular saying, “Every pig has its Saturday.”

She didn’t understand and asked if he could explain.

The man told her that the pig lives a pretty good life. The farmer feeds the pig for years. No real demands are placed on the pig. From the pig’s perspective, life is relatively carefree.

Then, one day, the fat and happy pig realizes it’s Saturday, also known as Slaughter Day.

With this story in mind, the man went on to say that life was good until the day of his apartment fire. He and his family were healthy and happy. Things were falling into place. Then, suddenly, his own Saturday arrived.

The woman relating this story to me was amazed by how the driver was coping under such extreme circumstances. She said that seeing how pragmatic and calm he was in accepting his fate was inspiring — he knew with certainty that life would get better again. And likely, there would be another Saturday in

his future, too.

In my research, I found this same Nicaraguan colloquialism about Saturday is part of the culture in other countries as well, such as Venezuela and Spain.

I am always amazed at the creatively surprising ways people process adversity when it shows up on their doorstep, those moments when a person realizes that they are at the mercy of their circumstances. I often ask, “How are you getting through this situation? How are you holding up?”

Many say they’re leaning on their faith. Others simply plan to gut it out. Still others share a range of ways in which they process their fate, such as the driver in this story.

I was moved by my passender’s story of that driver, and I hope it touched you, too.

One thing’s for sure, we will all experience Saturdays in our lives, so hope for the best and be ready for the worst.

Bob Reilly is an author, songwriter and rideshare driver living in Laurel.

UM Laurel Medical Center Now Open

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A better state of care right where you need it.

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While the recently discovered limb bone is from an as-of-yet unidentified dinosaur, the shin bone belonged to a theropod; the most famous dinosaur in this group is the Tyrannosaurus rex. Hodnett believes it belongs to an Acrocanthosaurus — at 38 feet long, the largest theropod in the Early Cretadeous period. Scientists have previously found Acrocanthosaurus teeth at Dinosaur Park.

“As it is a riverbed, it is unlikely we’ll find a complete skeleton,” Hodnett said, though he couldn’t hide his excitement at the possibility of future discoveries. “There’s more to be found. It’s going to take a long time.”

Laurel's Dinosaur Park, at 13100 Mid Atlantic Boulevard, has a playground and garden which are open to the public daily. Visitors can also view the dig sites during educational programs. For more information, go to pgparks.com/ parks_trails/dinosaur-park

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Laurel is a diverse community with a wealth of churches, synagogues, and mosques — and great festivals celebrating our heritages. One of our favorites is Emancipation Day hosted by St. Mark's UMC. We’ll hope you’ll join us there!

If you’d like to walk with us or help pass out info on scholarships, health insurance options, and other services, contact our Community Liaison, Kerry Fisher, at Rosapepe.liaison@gmail.com or (301) 910-9723.

Helping students achieve academic success

By Katie V. Jones

Since it opened its doors in 1990, First Generation College Bound’s vision and mission has been to encourage students from lowincome and first-generation families to attend college and to help families find ways to make college affordable, according to Joseph

Fisher, the nonprofit’s founder and CEO.

Fisher was able to attend college because of an athletic scholarship. When he learned he also qualified for need-based financial support, he returned his athletic scholarship so it could be awarded to another athlete in need.

“All kids have hopes and

dreams,” he said. “It’s hard. College is a business, and bills got to be paid. Many low income families think college is not possible. We turn that around.”

Through its College Access program, First Generation coaches work with seven high schools — Laurel , Central, DuVal, Fairmont Heights, High Point, Parkdale and

Potomac — to help students in 10th grade and above by providing encouragement and support with their studies.

“By senior year, we are very busy,” Fisher said. “Taking the SAT, filling out FAFSA, college applications. It’s a lot.”

First Generation coaches also help students look for colleges with offerings that match their interests and that they can afford, so they can graduate with little to no debt.

To date, the nonprofit has helped 2,639 students enter college.

“He [Fisher] has put in place a legacy he should be proud of,” said Lisa Jones, 47, a proud graduate of

the First Generation program at Laurel High School who went on to get a master’s degree in public health. Jones is grateful for all the nonprofit did for her.

“My parents were immigrants, Jamaican, who were more familiar with British education,” Jones said. “In high school, going to college was a big deal. All the steps required; it was nice to have the additional support. They even helped my sister.”

First Generation coaches keep in touch with students, offering support and encouragement, even after they’ve entered college, Fisher said.

“The care factor is very powerful in what we do,” he noted. “People need to know you care. We are there to help you on this journey.”

SEE STUDENTS ON 10 

Paper recognized in contest

In July, The Laurel Independent was recognized with two awards in the National Newspaper Association Foundation’s Better Newspaper Contest, competing in the non-daily division with a circulation of 2,000 to 3,999.

Joe Murchison received second place in the business story

category for his story, “Back to business after the pandemic,” which was featured in the August 2022 issue.

Designers Ashley Perks and Valerie Morris received an honorable mention for the cover of the September 2022 issue of the paper.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (CREM)

In this edition, we will fill you in on the City’s newest Department, Community Resources and Emergency Management (CREM)!

Led by Director/Emergency Manager, Christina L. Cornwell, CPM, CEM, who has over 24 years of experience in local and state government, which includes emergency management, CREM was created out of a need to help Laurel withstand the impacts of unexpected circumstances. By bringing together Emergency Management, Laurel Helping Hands, and the Multiservice Center, this Department is the Trifecta of community needs in the City’s toolbox, meeting both the mental and physical needs of individuals, all while strengthening and engaging the whole community to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disaster situations.

Now, let’s take a look at each division within CREM.

Emergency Management

The Division of Emergency Management plays a critical role in keeping the citizens of Laurel safe. The Division plans and prepares for emergencies, educates the public about preparedness, coordinates emergency response and recovery efforts and disseminates information during emergencies and disasters. As a part of its complex activities, the Division helps the community by assisting in the coordination of emergency management efforts and providing support to various City Departments.

Helping Hands

The staff at Laurel Helping Hands is committed to providing collaborative counseling tailored to the individual needs of the client. Their Mission Statement is to strengthen families and help youth thrive by equipping parents with the skills necessary to meet the developmental needs of children up to 18 years, so that youth can maximize their potential at home, in school and in the community. But they also believe that, apart

from their families, children also need other functional adults in the community and so Helping Hands provides individual counseling to adults.

In addition to counseling, they provide crisis intervention and substance use screening for PGCPS students who are suspended for drugrelated infraction. They also make presentations on mental health topics to schools and other community groups.

If you are experiencing a life-threatening mental health crisis please call 988 or the Prince George’s County Crisis hotline at 301-429 2185.

To learn more about the City’s Youth Services Bureau, Laurel and County residents may call Laurel Helping Hands at 240-294-1304 for information or appropriate referrals related to child, family, and adult services within the community.

City of Laurel Multiservice Center

The mission of the Multiservice Center is to promote stability and self-sufficiency amongst vulnerable populations through the provision of human services. Such efforts aim to promote hope for the future, equity of service, and strengthening of community throughout the Greater Laurel area.

Where Did This Idea Start?

In 2014, Mayor Moe had the idea to bring all the resources and services to one location in the City. Then in 2015, that idea was brought to life through a feasibility study that was conducted to evaluate community needs within the City of Laurel and determine resource gaps. In 2019, the City of Laurel Homelessness/Community Services Task Force was established to create a plan of action for addressing homelessness within the Greater Laurel Area, to include identifying infrastructure that would meet the needs of the community. After a year of evaluating community need against available resources, they brought their recommendations to the Mayor and City Council, which highlighted a single resource site which would deliver multiple community needs, while limit-

ELECTIONS ARE COMING!

ing transportation access barriers. After the Task Force’s presentation , the City purchased 204 Ft. Meade Road in 2020 for $2.4 million with the purpose of developing a multiservice center, which would include a transitional housing program and relocate the current “Winter Haven” program. This Center will also be used for food distribution, education/job training, and so much more.

Maintained by the Department of Parks and Recreation, this City-owned facility seeks to coordinate with various agencies and organizations in and surrounding Laurel to establish and sustain daily operations. By establishing a location where these services can be streamlined, it is our mission to provide equitable service, increased opportunity, and enhanced hope for the future through the establishment of individual independency.

The facility is currently undergoing renovations, which are being completed in phases. The first phase is the conversion of the existing gymnasium, two multipurpose rooms, and multiple storage rooms for equipment and emergency supplies. The second phase will focus on the resource center and short-term housing sections. Both phases of renovations are ongoing.

The City is excited for the services and operations the new CREM Department will bring to the Laurel community. Have questions? Call 301-725-5300 ext. 2232, email laureloem@laurel.md.us or follow their social media sites!

And keep your eyes open for some fun during this September’s Emergency Preparedness Month!

Do you ask yourself how you can become a part of the Laurel community? One of the best ways is to take part in City elections!

The Mayoral and five City Council seats are all up for election this year and you can help decide who will be running your local government for the next few years. Election day is November 7, 2023, with Early Voting taking place on November 4, 2023. You also will have the choice of Voting by Mail! Make sure you are registered and that you live in the City limits of Laurel, so you can cast your vote!

For more information, visit www.cityoflaurel.org/clerk or call 301-725-5300 ext. 2120 or scan the QR Code. Your Vote Is Your Voice!

WHAT’S NEW IN GREEN LIVING

It’s been a busy summer here!

Our Farmer’s Market is planning for its last four market days: August 17th, August 31st, September 14th and September 28th. Sign up for updates at greenliving@laurel.md.us and like us on Facebook

@TheLaurelQuillLot. Don’t forget that we can now accept SNAP/EBT – stop by the information tent to get your coupons and a reusable bag!

Speaking of bags Ordinance 2008 passed at the Mayor and City Council meeting on July 10th. Plastic bags are out – reusable bags are in! All stores will be required to charge at least $0.10 for a paper bag –what this means to you as a customer is bring your own bag and avoid the charge! If you want more information about this legislation, where to get free reusable bags, what signage shoppers can expect to see at stores – e-mail greenliving@laurel.md.us.

Tip It or Toss It! To help keep the mosquito population down and avoid spraying in the City of Laurel, be proactive! Mosquitoes can thrive in only an ounce of standing water! Check out the YouTube video on best ways to reduce the mosquito population at https://youtu. be/ Ijna4TUUYzw. For more information, visit https://www.cityoflaurel.org/em/mosquito-control-program.

Composting: We want to hear from YOU! With the City’s curbside composting program becoming mandatory in 2025, what questions do you have? What more do you want to see from Environmental Programs concerning the composting program? What can I feed my compost bin? Why should I compost? How does composting help the environment? Send your questions to Michele Blair, at greenliving@laurel.md.us or call 301-725-5300.

Coming in September! It’s back! Sustainable Saturday will be held on September 9th and we will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act at the Laurel Quill Lot, 378 Main Street. The hours will be 11am to 2pm. You will be able to sign up for rebate programs, the City ’s composting program, learn about volunteer opportunities and enjoy some food. More information can be

FREE MOVIE AND PIZZA

RECURSOS COMUNITARIOS Y GESTIÓN DE EMERGENCIAS (CREM)

El Departamento de Recursos Comunitarios y Manejo de Emergencias (CREM, por sus siglas en inglés) más nuevo de la Ciudad, dirigido por la Directora/Gerente de Emergencias, Christina L. Cornwell, CPM, CEM, fue creado por la necesidad de ayudar a Laurel a resistir los impactos de circunstancias inesperadas. Manejo de Emergencias, Helping Hands y el Centro Multiservicios Laurel conforman el Departamento. El papel de la División de Manejo de Emergencias es mantener seguros a los ciudadanos de Laurel al planificar y prepararse para emergencias, educar al público, coordinar los esfuerzos de emergencia y difundir información durante emergencias y desastres. Laurel Helping Hands se compromete a brindar asesoramiento colaborativo adaptado a las necesidades individuales del cliente, que incluye un grupo de apoyo para padres hispanos llamado Ayuda Par Padres y Madres. Y el Laurel Multiservice Center promueve la estabilidad y la autosuficiencia entre las poblaciones vulnerables a través de la provisión de servicios humanos, cuyo objetivo es promover la esperanza para el futuro, la equidad en el servicio y el fortalecimiento de la comunidad en el área metropolitana de Laurel. ¿Preguntas? Envíe un correo electrónico a laureloem@laurel.md.us. the Greater Laurel area. Questions? Email laureloem@laurel.md.us.

LAUREL POLICE MONTHLY CRIME REPORT

JUNE 2023

To find out more about what’s happening in your neighborhood, visit the Laurel Police Crime Reports at www.cityoflaurel.org/police/ community-info/crime -reports.

Legislation

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

Approved Ordinances/Resolutions:

• Ordinance No. 2014 - to Repeal and Replace Laurel City Code Chapter 17, Traffic, and Providing for an Effective Date.

• Ordinance No. 2015 - Amending 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 Provide an Effective Date.

• Resolution No. 7-2023 - to Pay Tribute to the Honorable Joseph R. Robison by Renaming the Laurel Municipal Center as the Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center.

Bid Approvals:

• Resurfacing Outdoor Tennis and Basketball Courts - Parks and Recreation - $408,166.47

• Laurel Avenue Improvement ProjectPublic Works - $200,000

• Compton Avenue Improvement ProjectPublic Works - $147,692.99

• Fleet Acquisition - 2024 Freightliner 10-ton Dump Truck - Public Works - $247,490

• Fleet Acquisition - T76 Bobcat Track Loader - Public Works - $79,750.64

• Cybersecurity - IT - $214,490.11

• In Car Camera System - IT - $370,551.25

• Fleet Acquisition - 2020 Ford Transit Passenger Van - Public Works - $49,935 For the full list of approved Bids, visit www.cityoflaurel.org/clerk/meetings.

Mayoral Appointments/Reappointments:

• Joseph DiGiovanni, Tree Board - Appointed 7/10/2023

• Rian Reed, Education Advisory CommitteeReappointed 7/10/2023

• Abisola Ude, Education Advisory Committee - Reappointed 7/10/2023

• Rhonda Whitley, Youth Services Commission - Reappointed 7/10/2023

August 2023 Mayor and City Council Meetings

 On Hiatus. All Mayor and City Council Meetings and Work Sessions are CANCELLED.

August 2023 Boards and Commissions

 On Hiatus. All Board and Commission Meetings are CANCELLED.

September 2023 Mayor and City Council Meetings

 Sept. 6th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Work Session (6:00pm)

 Sept. 11th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm)

 Sept. 25th - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm)

September 2023 Boards and Commissions

 Sept. 12th - Planning Commission (6:00pm)

 Sept. 19th - Historic District Commission (6:00pm)

 Sept. 28th - Board of Appeals (6:00pm)

 Sept. 26th - Environmental Affairs Committee (6:00pm)

 August 11, 2023 - Free Outdoor Concert: Dupont Brass - 7pm - Gude Park

 August 17 & 31, 2023 - Laurel Farmer’s Market - 3-7pm - 378 Main Street

 August 19, 2023 - Murder Mystery Train Ride (Senior Trip) - Departure at 5pm; Cost: $115

 August 22, 2023 - Beach Day in Ocean City (Adult Trip) - Departs at 6:30am; Cost: $35/resident, $40/non-resident.

 August 26, 2023 - Community and Culture Day - 2 - 5pm, McCullough Field - Celebrate and learn about the different cultures, food, community groups and more!

 Adult Softball Leagues start at the end of August! Call 301-725-7800.

 Sept. 4, 2023 - City/Passport Offices Closed In Observance of Labor Day. Visit www.cityoflaurel.org for adjusted collections.

 2023-2024 Preschool Registration - Classes begin September 5th & 6th

 Sept. 9, 2023 - Doggie Dip Day - 10am-12pm; Greenview Drive Pool. $5/dog For more information, visit www.cityoflaurel.org/parks!

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As you start to think about all the back-to-school shopping you have to do in the next few weeks, be sure to think about school preparedness tips, too! Talk with your children about emergency preparedness and what to do if an emergency happens at school. During the school year, kids practice several drills such as fire drills (Evacuation), tornado or earthquake (Shelter in Place) and active violence (Lockdown). While it is important for your children to practice these drills, it is also important to take the time to prepare them for what they might experience if these events do take place. Emphasize how important it is that they listen and follow the instructions given by their teacher. The following are some other tips to help keep your child(ren) safe and informed:

• Find out about the school’s emergency plans. Every school should have a written emergency plan with information such as protocols for contacting parents/guardians, where students will go if they must evacuate the building, how parents/guardians can contact the school during an emergency, and how they can reunite with their child(ren).

• Make sure the school has up-to-date emergency contact information for your child(ren). Notify the school of any address or phone number changes. Keep an emergency contact card in your child(ren)’s backpack, as well as any information for medications, allergies, or unique needs they may have.

• Talk to your child(ren) about the emergency after it happens. No matter their age, they may feel upset or have other strong emotions after an emergency. Helping children cope after an emergency can improve their mental health and express their emotions in future emergencies.

Visit https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/school -preparedness/emergency_preparedness.html for more information.

One of Uong’s projects for the county involved improvements to Bowie Road. He said his work projects have given him the chance to navigate various levels of government, from local to federal, and also connect with homeowner associations.

When asked why he is running, Uong said, “I want to give back to my community. I live in Prince George’s County, I work in Prince George’s County, so I’m passionate and proud of Prince George’s County.”

He said he was particularly interested in public safety: “to make sure everybody feels safe walking around and shopping in the city of Laurel … I believe there should be more funds for the police.”

Deonauth did not respond to numerous calls, texts and emails.

The filing period ended on July 21, and five individuals are running for the mayoral seat. Three city councilmembers — Martin Mitchell, Brencis Smith and Keith Sydnor — had previously announced their campaigns for mayor.

Election rules questioned

By Joe Murchison

A temporary ban on campaigning by candidates for city office has caused confusion among three announced mayoral candidates, and one of them has been hit with a $1,000 fine.

John Kish, chairman of the election board, emailed a letter dated June 23 to people who had picked up candidate application packets for the mayor and city council election, which will take place on Nov. 7. “Until such time as a complete candidate packet has been filed with the Board of Election Supervisors and the person has been Certified as a candidate by the Board, no official candidate signs or materials shall be disseminated to the public,” the letter said. The words “Certified as a candidate by the Board” were in bold type.

Kish said in an interview that he was not aware that this rule was any different from regulations for previous elections. He said that the board opened submitted packets after the July 21 deadline, and final certification of candidates would not occur until their campaign finance reports

included with their applications received approval from the city’s ethics commission. That might not be until later in August, Kish said, because the ethics committee had found problems with a number of the reports, and the candidates were being allowed 20 days to fix them.

City councilmembers Martin Mitchell (At-Large), Brencis Smith (Ward 2) and Keith Sydnor (Ward 2) had already begun distributing signs and campaign literature when Kish sent his letter.

Sydnor noted that he began campaigning on May 1, the first day candidate packets were available from the city council clerk’s office.

Sydnor said he filed his packet the same day, minus the finance report, which had to cover campaign transactions up to July 21.

Sydnor said that in his previous council runs (2017, 2019 and 2021) he had begun campaigning after submitting the partial packet. “It was never an issue,” he said. “When I received that letter, I suspended my campaign,” Sydnor said. “I don’t agree with it, but I’m abiding by it.”

A week and a half after Kish sent the letter, Brencis Smith and his

supporters marched in the city’s Independence Day parade, distributing campaign literature to spectators along the route.

Smith said in an interview that he had not read Kish’s letter at the time, and found it in his email afterward. “That’s the only time I was campaigning,” he said.

Martin Mitchell has been the only one of the three to distribute yard signs. He contested the nocampaign rule in a letter to Kish dated July 9.

“I see no violation of City election law by campaigning for an office prior to being certified by the Board,” Mitchell wrote. “Your letter contains no citation to legal authority. Respectfully, this position is without legal basis and raises First Amendment issues. … If a person identifies themselves as a candidate and engages in typical campaign activities, there is no harm if they ultimately fail to meet the certification requirements.”

Mitchell questioned an election rule as well. He noted that, while the election board had set July 21 as the filing deadline, the city code states, “All individuals wishing to have their name included

on a ballot as a candidate for public office shall … file a completed certificate of candidacy on the forms prescribed and provided by the board on or before 12:00 noon on the last Friday in the month of September of the year that the election is to be held.”

In an interview, Kish said that he believes the “on or before” wording of the law allows the election board to set the filing deadline at a date before the last Friday in September.

Mitchell and the election board also have tussled over the placement of signs. Kish notified Mitchell the week of July 9 that officials had pulled 13 of his signs from public right of ways around the city and that he needed to pick them up at city hall by July 14 or they would be thrown away.

Mitchell said he then received a notice on July 17 that the election board was fining him $1,000 for campaign violations.

Kish said in an interview that Mitchell had paid the fine, but that Mitchell also had asked to appear before the board to dispute it.

Kish said the election board had not fined Smith or Sydnor for any campaign violations. Mitchell and his campaign helpers “didn’t listen to us,” he said. “They were still putting up signs when we asked them not to.”

NATIVE GARDENING WITH JIMMY

Before and after native garden transformation

By Jimmy Rogers

About a year ago, I had a strange, early-morning visitor. I heard a midsized dump truck idling in front of my house and ran out in my bathrobe. I waved and pointed right to the middle of my pristine grass lawn and the driver gave me a nod.

Shortly thereafter, I was the proud owner of 20 cubic yards of arborist wood chips and on my way to a new native garden.

I expected resistance to this

City of Laurel council race has 11 candidates

bold gardening choice. Prior to the big day, I had written letters to both of my nextdoor neighbors, explaining what I was going to do, why I was going to do it, and offered to answer any questions or concerns they might have. I also designed a garden path and discreet beds, so that my new garden would look intentional and attractive to passersby.

Once the wood chips were delivered, I spread them evenly across my front yard. This made quite a visual statement, and I did receive

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some questions. Folks often asked “What are you doing over there?” and “What will you be planting?”

To my surprise, though, no one ever asked me why.

Residential turf grass does have a few advantages, after all. People of all ages can run around on it with little or no visible damage. When mowed, it looks orderly and empty in a way that appeals to the eyes of an African savanna hominid scanning for threats. This is likely why the castles of

By Joe Murchison

Eleven candidates filed to run in the three city council races — AtLarge, Ward 1 and Ward 2. Add the five candidates running for mayor, and the total of 16 is the largest group of candidates for a city election in memory, said outgoing Mayor Craig Moe. Moe was first elected to the city council 33 years ago.

The candidates still had to receive final certification from the

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elections board, which will happen after the city’s ethics commission has reviewed their campaign finance reports and city officials have confirmed they have no outstanding tax liabilities or fines.

John Kish, elections board chairman, indicated that those checks were to have been completed by around Aug. 4.

Here are the candidates who have filed for the city council. They will be profiled in upcoming editions of The Laurel Independent.

City Council At-Large (one seat)

Christine Johnson

Enrico McCleary II

Adrian Simmons

City Council Ward 1 (two seats)

Carl DeWalt (incumbent)

James Kole (incumbent)

Connie Lucas

Stephen Wallace

City Council Ward 2 (two seats)

Kyla Clark

Melvin Lindsley

Thomas Matthews Jr.

Jeffrey Mills

European nobles are surrounded by mowed turf, and we Americans have sought to emulate those lavish estates.

However, most folks I have met see their lawn as a puzzling chore. Weeds encroach, lawn care companies advertise constantly about pesticides, fertilizers, amendments and seeds, and the mowing never ends. It should be no surprise, then, that according to research funded by the National Science Foundation, the plurality of Americans have passive lawns, meaning their owners mow them but do little else.

We know that grass is bad for our soil, too. Walk by most any lawn with a slope, and you’ll see bare red clay showing through in patches. A shallow-rooted turf grass monoculture leads to soil compaction, nutrient depletion and, eventually, erosion. While the grass often dies without repeated soil amendment, it creates a perfect environment for weeds, which love poor, compacted soil. The question remains whether to have a lawn at all. If you have children or pets who play in your yard, then perhaps we can call it a productive use of land. If you want to take on a new hobby, there are

valid organic practices that will keep a lawn, and the soil under it, healthy and weed-free. I recommend Paul Tukey’s The Organic Lawn Care Manual to learn these intricacies. The grounds of Potomac’s Glenstone Museum use Tukey’s methods, and the results are remarkable. However, if you lack the time to maintain your lawn to this level (or only set foot on it when mowing it), then it might be time to consider lawn reduction.

Fortunately, turf grass is extremely easy to kill. I recommend smothering grass with arborist wood chips, which are generated when a tree service grinds up limbs. The resulting chips mainly

consist of the hydrophilic interior wood, rather than the hydrophobic bark that is sold for annual mulching. Even better, these chips aren’t expensive; the amount you see in the picture only cost me $20 on getchipdrop.com. The app connects residents who want chips for gardening with arborists who need to get rid of theirs. It’s a win-win.

Once you have your wood chips, spread them out 8 to 12 inches deep on the area you want to smother. Make sure you put them all down at once, or some grasses will work their way up through the mulch. You’ll know it’s working when mushrooms sprout from the mulch. In the heat of summer,

it takes about five weeks to kill the grass and compost it back into nutritious mud.

Once your grass is cooked, you can pull back as much of the chips as you like. I intended to keep a close eye on my new garden bed, so I opted to remove all of them, plant densely in the fall and then cover everything with fall leaves. However, if your new bed won’t receive as much upkeep or attention, you can leave up to four inches of wood chips in place to help keep weeds at bay. If you do remove some chip mulch, you can immediately shift it to the next patch of lawn and start the process all over again.

As with all changes, start small. While I chose the all-at-once

method, I would recommend beginners start with a space no larger than 100 square feet. This will limit the number of plants (one to one and a half per square foot) that you need to plant in order to reclaim the space.

Your lawn can be so much more than an ecological dead zone. Imagine the birds, bees, butterflies and other animal visitors you’ll see when you replace it with a vibrant habitat!

“I

Left: Arborist wood chips being added to Jimmy Rogers’ yard a year ago.

Above: Jimmy Rogers’ front yard a year after the arrival of wood chips. JIMMY ROGERS

Jimmy Rogers is an avid native gardener and a member of the Laurel Environmental Affairs Committee.

STUDENTS

Fisher also believes it is important to kindle a love for education at an early age. In 1992, he started a homework club in Kimberly Gardens, a low-income housing complex in Laurel. Through the program, certified teachers provide help with homework to students in first through 12th grades. All of the sessions are free.

“In Homework Club, we plant the seed,” Fisher said. “We enforce the importance of studying habits and behavior. Practice that for success.”

Victoria Oke first participated in the club as a fourth grader at Oakland Elementary School. She is now a rising fifth grader.

“Most of it was online,” Oke said. “We would learn about different things, and they would help us

with homework.”

The club met in person for special activities, Oke said, including for a pizza party and another time to make T-shirts.

“If I had the opportunity, I would definitely do it again,” she said.

Shalom Oyeyemi, 10, has participated in the club for several years. Besides getting help with her homework, she has enjoyed studying other topics, like outer space.

“It has helped me during school understand my topics more,” she said. “I’ve told my friends about it.”

Homework Club celebrated its 30th anniversary in May with a party for the more than 30 students currently enrolled in the club. Fisher is now raising money to sustain his nonprofit into the future.

“I took my time and built it slow,” he said. “I did it right.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

EVENTS

“Disney’s Descendants: The Musical.” Presented by the Burtonsville Players, the musical is based on a Disney Channel original movie and features comedy, adventure, songs and Disney characters. Aug. 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. $15-$23. Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St. 301.617.9906

Open House. Search for fossils at Dinosaur Park, Aug. 19, 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. 13200 Mid Atlantic Blvd. dinosaurpark@pgparks. com 301.627.1286

St. Mark’s UMC Emancipation Day. Eleventh annual 5K run/ walk for diabetes will be held

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in person and virtually. Native plant giveaway at finish. Sept. 2, 8 a.m. Alice B. McCullough Field, Montgomery and Eighth streets. For more information, go to bit.ly/stmarks5k

MONTPELIER HOUSE

MUSEUM 9650 Muirkirk Road 301.377.7817

Native American and African American Story and Activity Times: $1. On Aug. 12, George Harley, a Piscataway, will read This is How I Know, by Brittany Luby. On Aug, 26: Jackie Morales, descendant of one of the first inhabitants of Bacontown will read The Travels of Igal Shidad, A Somali Folktale, retold by Kelly Dupre. 11 a.m. to noon.

MONTPELIER ARTS

CENTER 9652 Muirkirk Road 301.377.7800

Exhibits

Linda Bernard. Pottery and ceramics by Linda Bernard, an instructor at the center. Through Aug. 27.

Patrick Cromwell. Abstract prints by Patrick Cromwell, one of the center’s instructors. Opens Sept. 8 and runs through Oct. 22.

Ngoc Le. Installations made with everyday objects by Ngoc Le. Sept. 8 through Nov. 5.

FUN, FRIENDS,

All activities are at Bladensburg Waterfront Park 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg WashingtonRowingSchool.com 202-344-0886

Hispanic Heritage Art Exhibit. “Love, Hope and Art: Woven Thread.” Abstract paintings and portraiture that reflect Hispanic culture. Sept. 8 through Nov. 5.

LAUREL HISTORY

MUSEUM 817 Main St. 301.725.7975

Main Exhibit. “It’s All Laurel: City Limits and Beyond.”

Through August 2024

LAUREL BRANCH

LIBRARY 507 7th St. 301.776.6790

Ready 2 Read Storytime: New Big Siblings! Prepare preschoolers for the arrival of a baby in this program for new big siblings with stories, songs, fingerplays. Favorite doll or stuffed animal welcome. Resources available for parents and caregivers. Aug. 18, 10:30 a.m.

Community-led Book

Discussion. Join a lively discussion about I Am These Truths, by Sunny Hostin. Aug. 22, 7 p.m.

Film: "Brexit Through the NonPolitical Glass." A documentary that explores Brexit’s deeper historical meanings and many sociological and cultural drivers that have caused it. Not rated. Sept. 6, 5 p.m.

SEE CALENDAR ON 11 

Story Explorers: Dwight D. Eisenhower Eagles Reading Ambassadors. Practice reading or listen to favorite stories read aloud with Dwight D. Eisenhower Eagle Ambassadors. Sept. 7, 4:30 p.m.

PATUXENT RESEARCH

REFUGE Programs are free. Some require advance registration, and all may be subject to change or cancellation due to weather or low enrollment. For more information and to register, call 301.497.5887

South Tract, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop

Easy Butterfly-Habitat Gardens. Learn how to provide basic habitat for attracting common native butterflies and birds to your yard. Aug. 12, 2 p.m.

Junior Wildlife Ranger. Join a refuge ranger to explore five nature-related activities. Aug. 12, 10 a.m.

BARK Ranger Training. Does your dog enjoy walking the trails at Patuxent? Bring your dog to

our BARK Ranger training; Upon completion your dog can monitor the trails as a certified ranger.

Aug. 12 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Family Fun: Welcome Wildlife to Your Yard. Hands-on activities, games and crafts to learn about ways to attract and help wildlife.

Aug. 25 and 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Evening Wildlife Hike at Cash Lake. A former refuge manager will lead a hike around the lake to look for wildlife. Bug spray and binoculars recommended.

Aug. 26, 5:45 p.m.

North Tract, 230 Bald Eagle Drive

Photo-Adventure Scavenger

Hunt. Learn about the history and features of the refuge on a scavenger hunt. Aug. 12. 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Bike Riding at the Refuge. A 12mile guided ride. Bring your own bike, helmet, water bottle and snack. Aug. 19, 10 a.m.

CARROLL BALDWIN

HALL 9035 Baltimore St. Savage. 410.294.3561

Events

Columbia Concert Band. Free. Aug. 13, 6 p.m.

Ongoing

Third Thursdays: Volunteer Work Nights. A variety of projects from painting to cleaning and mortar repair. Food provided. Aug. 17, 6 to 9 p.m.

Third Sundays: DJ Swing Dances. Hosted by Gottaswing, the event kicks off with a free lesson at 5 p.m. $10. Aug. 20, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

ONGOING

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. 2 Main St. 301.725.2302

Every Tuesday Bingo. Hosted by the Laurel Senior Friendship Club; free admission; fee for cards. Doors open at 11 a.m. and bingo starts at noon. Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activities Center, 7120 Contee Rd. 301.206.3380

Friday Food Festival. American Legion Post 60 hosts Friday dinners, with Canteen 60 providing meals the first and third Friday of the month and P&G Catering serving up on the second and fourth. 5:30 to 8 p.m. 2 Main St. 301.725.2302

Laurel Senior Friendship Club

Meets the second Wednesday of each month; program includes business meeting and musical entertainment or a speaker. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. LaurelBeltsville Senior Activities Center, 7120 Contee Rd. 301.206.3380

Jim Whitney Toastmasters Club. A Toastmasters International affiliate, the club teaches public speaking and leadership skills. Aug. 14 and 28. 7 p.m. St. Philips Episcopal Church, 522 Main St. toastmastersclubs.org

BUSINESS

The Laurel Board of Trade Monthly Networking. Virtual opportunity to meet and network with local business people; BOT membership is not required. Aug. 17, 12:15 p.m. For more information and meeting link go to laurelboardoftrade.org, email laurelboardoftrade383@gmail. com or call 301.483.0838

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 Aug. 20, 9 a.m to noon. Sixth and Prince George sts.

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

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

St. Mary of the Mills food pantry, Thursdays, 9 a.m. while supplies last. Kessler Centers. 114 St. Mary’s Pl. Call before you come. 301.725.3080

Gospel Assembly Church food pantry, First and third Saturdays, 9 a.m. 8740 Cherry Ln, Suite 12