01-2024 The Laurel Independent

INSIDE Emergency shelter line ready for calls, P.2 Mental health in the workplace topic of new book, P.5

VOL. 3 NO. 1

JANUARY 2024

Go thrifty with winter sowing, P.8

LAUREL’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

An artist’s rendering of the planned temple, also showing the existing house and a planned courtyard of statues. COURTESY OF GIAC SON BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Neighbors oppose Buddhist temple

By JOE MURCHISON A Vietnamese Buddhist congregation is planning to build a temple in South Laurel, but they have run into stiff opposition from their neighbors.

The congregation, Giac Son Buddhist Temple, currently worships at a house that

a congregation member purchased for it in 2014 on Route 197, just south of Snowden Road.

In September, the Prince George’s County Planning Board approved the congregation’s plans to construct a 4,625-square-foot temple next to the house on the 1.6-acre property. Also approved was a 28-foot stat-

Laurel now home to Maryland’s first electrology school

By JESSIE NEWBURN From difficulty and challenge, new opportunities may arise.

Such was the case for Eileen Collins, owner and lead instructor at the newly opened Maryland Electrolysis Education Center in Laurel.

For 30 years, Collins, an electrologist, was in business with her mother, in whose footsteps she followed. She loved her profession, including the flexibility it

gave her to make her own schedule, the opportunity to help people feel better about themselves and the income it provided her.

When her husband died in 2018 after an extended illness, she found herself with more time on her hands and a lot of grief in her heart.

“I couldn’t just fall apart. I had a son. I had to bring in income. I had to think about his future, my future,” she said, so she picked up a long-abandoned dream of finishing her degree in psychology.

ue of Quan Am, a Buddhist goddess of compassion. The statue will be placed with other smaller statues in a courtyard between the house and the planned temple.

However, six neighbors have hired a lawyer and have appealed the approvals. The Prince George’s County District Council (the name of the county council when it

She dove into her studies and supporting her son as he prepared to transition to college.

When COVID-19 and mask mandates hit the nation, her electrolysis business — one where the majority of clients have hair removal done around their mouth and jaw line — pretty much screeched to a halt. Now she had time on her hands and no money.

After about a 10-week shutdown, electrologists were allowed to resume providing services, but new mandates about cleaning equipment and service rooms, along with many patients’ reticence to resume treatments, created a difficult financial situation for Collins.

Connected to other electrologists through her many years of SEE SCHOOL ON 7 

hears zoning cases) is scheduled to hear the appeal on Jan. 16.

The 46-page appeal argues that the congregation submitted a site plan with incorrect boundaries and insufficient setback distances from the property lines, and that the planning board did not require suffiSEE TEMPLE ON 6 

State legislative preview The Maryland General Assembly is now in session until April 10. To understand what Laurel representatives are working on, state senators and state delegates were asked the following questions.

1. What are your top priorities for this legislative session?

2. In what areas will you be seeking more transparency, accountability or budget cuts?

3. What are some district-specific issues you plan to take on?

4. With tightening budgets, how do you see public school funding being affected?

Their answers follow.

DISTRICT 21 (Laurel and College Park) Senator Jim Rosapepe Top priorities • Protecting state investment in public safety, local schools, roads (particularly Route 1 and city and county streets in Laurel and College Park), and transit, health care, local businesses and fighting climate change • Boosting state investment in expanding apprenticeship job opportunities for young people to enter good career paths and for local employers to get the skilled SEE PREVIEW ON 11 

INSIDE: THE JANUARY 2024 ISSUE OF THE LAUREL LEDGER HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

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Page 2

The Laurel Independent | January 2024

THE BEAT OF LAUREL

A new Laurel emergency shelter information line

By BOB REILLY

T

he community now has an information line providing people with information as to where they can find local shelters. The information line also offers detailed information regarding support resources in our area and neighboring counties.

The idea for the information line emerged on Nov. 28, when the temperature was predicted to drop to the low 20s.

Phil Ott was notified that afternoon by the city that the cabana building on Laurel-Bowie Road would be available for an emergency cold weather shelter. As president of the Laurel nonprofit Taking Care of Our Neighbors, Ott is right in the middle of the emergency shelter universe. He works directly with the mayor’s office in the event of temperatures below 26 degrees to meet the needs of the unsheltered in the community.

Ott scrambled to pull his team together to take care of people in need. Even newly elected Mayor Keith Syndnor showed up that evening to thank the shelter team.

The shelter closed its doors at 9:30 p.m., as no unhoused or un-

Alli Milner, emergency services manager for Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services will manage the city’s new emergency shelter line. COURTESY OF BOB REILLY

stably housed people showed up.

Why? The next morning, I consulted with Ott and two others who work to provide shelter, Councilmember Carl Dewalt (Ward 1) and Ruth Walls, president of Patrons for Peace Project Inc.

They all agreed a more proactive means of communicating with the target communities was needed. They also agreed that Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services (LARS) would be the best organization to start the process. LARS is the central hub

of support for the unhoused and unstably house communities, and people who have fallen into financial hard times. The organization helps people get connected to the resources they need to survive and ultimately thrive.

Later that morning, I met with Mark Huffman, director of client services at LARS, and Shannon Mouton, the nonprofit’s executive director. We discussed the need for a community information line to communicate shelter updates and provide information about available resources. They were very receptive to the idea and began working on setting up a dedicated phone line.

Following my meeting with LARS, I received written correspondence from Huffman. He shared the following, “Just wanted to confirm that we have set up an information line for emergency shelters in Laurel. We are calling it the Laurel Emergency Shelter Information Line. There will be a message on that line with the most current information we have about emergency shelters in the community. It’s currently just in English but will soon be in Spanish as well.”

On Dec. 20, in a follow-up statement, Huffman noted, “We have

the Laurel Emergency Shelter Information Line – up and running. When notified, we are prepared to put out the information through the line and are also working on a way of doing a ‘push’ notification of clients we know are unstably housed or unhoused.”

The push Huffman is referring to in his statement is the idea of sending proactive phone alerts to known LARS clients who could take advantage of the shelter or help advise others of shelter availability. Having this type of alert system would be a game changer: real-time updates, a really good vision.

The latest update on the Laurel Emergency Shelter Information Line advises people about the Laurel Winter Shelter program, which began Jan. 7. Men or women over the age of 18 who are in need can register at LARS to participate in the program. For more information, call 301.708.3799.

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

Mother and daughter team run a plant-based cafe

By LENORA S. DERNOGA Did you know that poor nutrition is one of the leading causes of early disease and premature death in our country? According to the Mayo Clinic, a poor diet is more detrimental to health than smoking or genetic factors, con-

tributing to the development of many chronic conditions including obesity, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, type 2 diabetes and cancer.

Magdalena Gebreckristos and her daughter Adia Cotton, have wholeheartedly embraced a healthy lifestyle, including Managing Editor Katie V. Jones

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

Katie@streetcarsuburbs.news

Associate Editor Nancy Welch

Nancy@streetcarsuburbs.news

Columnists Bob Reilly, Jimmy Rogers Writers & Contributors Lenora S. Dernoga, Joe Murchison, Jessie Newburn, Kit Slack, Aiesha Solomon Layout & Design Editors Ashley Perks, Valerie Morris Web Editor Jessica Burshtynskyy Advertising Sales Manager Amanda Berard advertising@streetcarsuburbs.news 240.408.0722

adopting a vegan diet. The two opened Love Life Coffee, in 2021, to offer fresh, healthy plant-based food and beverages in a cozy café environment.

“Due to the limited availability of delicious and wholesome vegan options in the area, opening a vegan café was a natural choice,” GeBusiness Manager Catie Currie Executive Director Kit Slack 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, Paul Ruffins, Kit Slack 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 29,000.

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

breckristos said. “During the COVID[-19] pandemic, a moment of inspiration struck, which led to the inception of this café as a way to fill the gap and provide our community with delectable and nutritious vegan fare.”

The owners sought a professional chef to create a menu of wholesome and satiating items. Starting with their beverages, options include fresh brewed coffees, espressos, teas (chai is a top request), noncoffee options, fresh-pressed juices and frozen drinks like caramel or mocha frappé.

Their loaded toasts include hummus, mango or cashew butter and jam, and the classic, highly requested, avocado toast. There are several choices of handhelds (wraps) and bowls for breakfast and lunch, including a roasted vegetable wrap or breakfast croissant, and an açai bowl (a favorite) or power bowl. The café also serves beer and wine.

Gebreckristos and Cotton decided to adopt a vegan diet after a decade of following a vegetarian diet. “As we delved deeper into the world of plantbased living, it became evident that a vegan lifestyle offers not only personal health benefits but also the opportunity to promote the well-being of our planet and animal welfare,” Gebreckristos said. “Our decision to go fully vegan was rooted in the desire to embrace a healthier way of life characterized by lower risks of chronic diseases and improved weight management. We were also drawn to the ethical aspects of veganism, aligning our choices with the humane treatment of animals and the reduction of our environmental footprint. This holistic perspective has enriched our lives and motivated us to share the benefits with others. “ The response has been very positive.

SEE CAFE ON 3 

January 2024 | The Laurel Independent

Page 3

CAFE FROM PAGE 2

“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our valued customers,” Gebreckristos said. “Skeptics become regular patrons of our café, drawn in not only by the delicious food but also by the knowledge that a vegan diet can be both nutritious and satisfying.”

This positive response exemplifies how an open-minded approach to trying new things can lead to a delightful culinary journey and, ultimately, a more health-conscious lifestyle. Remember, what you eat is going to reflect how you look and feel.

The café also displays works of art from local artists. “We love our local community and are very proud to support them,” Gebreckristos said.

Love Life Coffee is at 929 Washington Blvd. For more information, go to thelovelifecafe. com”

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Maryland's 21st District Delegation

Laurel’s State Legislators - Standing Up for Working Families!

Join us for f r dinner in Annapolis fo Annap a olis January ap r 29th! ry We appreciate the opportunity to represent you in the Maryland legislature and hope you can join us and other Laurel neighbors on Monday, January 29th, 6-8 pm, at Market House in Annapolis for good food and fellowship.

We’ll be joined by other state and local leaders who represent you.

If you want to come to dinner by bus with Laurel neighbors, reserve your seat when you RSVP. Questions? Email us at 21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing you!

— Jim, Joseline, Ben, and Mary

To RSVP and reserve your seat, visit bit.ly/District21Night or call (240) 712-4646.

Page 4

The Laurel Independent | January 2024

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send your event information to Katie V. Jones at katie@streetcar suburbs.news

21 and 26-28. Various times. $20.

508 Main St. For more information, call 301,617.9906

EVENTS

Laurel Cats Adoption Event.

Laurel Cats will host an event with fully vetted adult cats available for adoption. Jan. 14, 2 to 4 p.m. PetSmart, 13600 Baltimore Ave. For more information, call 301.886. 0161

“12 Angry Jurors”: Laurel Mill Playhouse presents the play about 12 jurors responsible for deciding the fate of a 19-year-old man standing trial for the stabbing death of his father. Jan. 12-13, 19-

Open House at Dinosaur Park.

Come search for fossils on Jan. 21, noon to 4 p.m. 13200 Mid Atlantic Blvd. For more information, go to dinosaurpark@pgparks. com or call 301.627.1286.

AARP Tax Assistance. Free tax preparation services Feb. 14 through April 10 for people 50 and older or who cannot afford

paid services. Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St. By appointment only. For more information, call 240.473.2955

MONTPELIER HOUSE MUSEUM 9650 Muirkirk Road 301.377.7817 Free Self-guided Tours. In celebration of Black History Month, free tours Thursdays through Mondays during February.

Uhuru Quilters Guild Exhibit.

Quilts featuring themes of Black history stitched by members of the guild. Opens Feb. 1

MONTPELIER ARTS CENTER 9652 Muirkirk Road, 301.377.7800 Beyond Hip-Hop: Black Voices in the Arts. A panel discussion focusing on Black classical music, past, present and future led by a musician, a historian and a social scientist. Feb. 3 at 1 p.m.

Black History Month Exhibition. Celebrate Black History Month with works by regional artists highlighting the lives, sto-

ries and experiences of African Americans. Opens Jan. 12. Public reception, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m.

Patricia Phillips Bowden. An exhibit on paper and canvas paying homage to Bowden’s Asian heritage. Opens Feb. 3. Public reception, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m.

Brian Michael Dunn. Dunn’s exhibit of everyday objects and experiences woven into patterns and geometric forms in acrylic paintings and metal. Public reception Feb. 10, 2 p.m.

LAUREL BRANCH LIBRARY 507 7th St., 301.776.6790 Hatchlings: Ready to Hatch.

Are you expecting? Get ready for baby through songs and fun activities. Registration is required.

Jan. 13, 11 a.m.

Knitting and Crocheting. Bring your current project and work with the Seventh Street Ravelutionaries crocheting and knitting group. Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m.

SEE CALENDAR ON 8 

January 2024 | The Laurel Independent

Page 5

Local author writes about mental health in the workplace

By AIESHA SOLOMON Laurel resident Ebony Davis was talking with her neighbor about the difficulties they’d experienced as Black women in the workplace when her neighbor suggested Davis write a book about the unique challenges, and in particular mental health challenges, that Blacks may encounter at work. As an author of two books and the founder of Butler and Davis Consulting LLC, Davis thought “That’s a good idea.” She got to work, and her new book, Protecting Your Mental Health While Black in the Workplace, was published in October.

Davis wrote her book for Black people, and specifically for firstgeneration college students and

the first office professionals in their families.

“It started off being more research-based, more informationbased, but I started adding more of my personal experience into it,” Davis said in an interview. “I found that some of the personal experiences that I wrote about were not even the personal experiences that I planned to write about, but then I was, like, ‘You know what, actually, instead of talking about X, let me talk about Y because I forgot all about this situation and how I overcame that situation.”

The book talks about misconceptions some people have about mental health and focuses on research about Blacks in America not getting the most appropriate

mental health services.

“We’re working in a healthcare system that is devalued, that was not built for us, so a lot of the interventions that we’re using, what we learned in the school, doesn’t work for us when we’re working with clients,” Davis said. “I want to build a foundation so that everyone can come in from the same vantage point.”

The book explores dimensions of wellness, including emotional, spiritual, social, intellectual, environmental, physical, occupational and financial. The book also discusses detrimental characteristics of some workplaces and how Blacks can successfully navigate challenges.

“Some people still don’t believe

racism exists in the workplace.

Sometimes, we don’t even recognize the oppressive systems that we’re encountering at the time,” Davis said. “It’s everywhere around us. We’re living in a capitalistic society, and because of that, people are devalued in this system.”

Nelly Casseus, a colleague of Davis’, said the book’s “mindset of making sure that you stay healthy” was the part that interested her most and that “it touched [her] in a lot of ways.”

“As an African American woman, but Afro-Caribbean really, a lot of times we neglect our mental health and certain triggers in our work environment, ” she said.

“The main thing I wanted peo-

join a focus group.

“I don’t want anybody to feel their voice isn’t important,” Blair said. “I want people to feel comfortable and safe and share ideas.”

Focus groups will be asked to meet separately on a regular basis, Blair said. Her team is meeting with leaders of community groups and religious organizations separately for their input.

“I really want people to feel that they have ownership of this plan,” she said. “A true sustainability plan is not for the current residents but for future residents, later generations.”

An initial meeting is scheduled for Jan. 18, at 5:30 p.m., at the Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center Council Chambers, 8103 Sandy Spring Road. (Food and beverages will be served at 5 p.m.) For more information, call 301.725.5300, ext. 2203.

The Big House, on Montgomery Street, was the winner of the people’s choice award on Laurel Historical Society’s holiday house tour. COURTESY OF LAUREL

ple to take away was that to just be open, always be like a lifelong learner in learning how to grow professionally. Be open to getting new school skills, taking courses.

Be open to trying things new,” Davis said. “Making sure that you take care of yourself and making that a part of your day-to-day.

Maybe it’s going for a walk, maybe it’s listening to music — but knowing how to recharge yourself is very important. And just knowing that things are getting better over time, but they’re not going to change overnight until a lot of things change at the top.”

Davis also talked about the reason she wrote the book in an email.

SEE HEALTH ON 9 

NEWS BRIEFS

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, VISIT STREETCARSUBURBS.NEWS NEW SUSTAINABILITY PLAN CALLS FOR RESIDENT INPUT The city of Laurel is seeking input from residents to help develop the city’s first sustainability plan, a framework officials may turn to as they formulate short- and long-term decisions related to the economy, environment, and social and governance issues.

According to Michele Blair, the city’s environmental programs manager, the sustainability plan

involves two separate phases.

The first phase involves city operations, from ensuring that city facilities are using LED lightbulbs to providing curbside compost pickup.

The second phase will call for input from the community. On Jan. 18, residents are invited to attend an introductory meeting and form focus groups with residents who have the same common interests and concerns. No previous experience is needed to

Thank you to the LARS Holidays of Hope Joymakers!

This was our largest holiday program — ever! With your support, nearly 800 children received gifts and close to 350 families received holiday food baskets.

Our Snow Angels made the difference.

The Holidays of Hope sponsors provided the much-needed funding to make this program possible.

Anonymous Sheehy Toyota of Laurel H. Bruce & Sharon Land New Day Adventist Church Maria Montgomery TE & Julie Wollam-Gingrich Marian O’Donnell Brian Harrington Community of Christ, Laurel William Newman Chris Proietti James & Nancy Laverty St. Vincent Pallotti High School Jill Rosenstock Caroline Creeden Walter & Alicia Bowen

Wesley Kreger Samantha Rukert Nicholas Tardif & Donna Koczaja Margaret Garrett Louis Vaught James & Patricia Behenna Helen Woods Ashbritt Foundation Brooke Tropf Erin Garrett Mark Stauffer Martha Morphy Wyatt & Melissa Harris Megan Chobot Pete Gormley Wendy Geagan Will Murnane Stacy Coker

Mike Walls James Dipaolo Robert & Paulette Duncan Donald & Kathleen McKay Patrick Duffy Charles & Frances Shellenberger Mary Campbell Myra Grand Chapter, OES, PHA, MD Thrift Stores of DC, Inc. Donna Rollins Daniel & Christina Yuan Phil Chase George & Mary Hall Kingdom Fellowship AME Church

Go to www.laureladvocacy.org to sign-up for our newsletter or email info@laureladvocacy.org to find out how you can too can support your neighbors in need.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY TO HELP PAY BILLS City of Laurel residents who need help paying bills can apply to the Thrive Prince George’s new Guaranteed Basic Income Program.

The two-year, $4 million guaranteed-income pilot program is aimed at fostering economic stability and mobility for families.

The monthly cash payment will go to qualified applicants, in particular youth and seniors with fixed incomes, with no strings attached or repayment requirements.

Thrive Prince George’s will provide a monthly stipend of $800 for 24 months to 50 individuals, ages 18-24, who have aged out of the foster care system and to at least 125 seniors ages 60 and older.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY

For more information and to apply for the program, go to tinyurl.com/4tr7as9y

HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR A SUCCESS Featuring nine stops along with bonus stops at Laurel Haunt and Clyopatra Winery, Laurel Historical Society’s holiday house tour received rave reviews, and attendance exceeded last year’s turnout, said Ann Bennett, executive director of the society. “People were definitely ready to get out again and get in the holiday spirit,” Bennett wrote in an email.

Winning the people’s choice award (by one point), The Big House, on Montgomery Street, was the first stop on the tour.

Second place went to the shingle

house on 6th Street, third stop on the tour, according to Abby Carver, education and outreach coordinator for Laurel Historical Society.

LAUREL CATS NEEDS VOLUNTEERS Laurel Cats needs volunteers to fill a number of positions, including treasurer assistant, transportation coordinator, social media committee members and a pet cat spay/neuter coordinator. Volunteers willing to dress up as Mewoser, the organization’s mascot are needed as are volunteers willing to be foster families for cats and kittens.

For more information, contact Laurel Cats at 301.866.0161 or go to laurelcats.org.

Page 6

TEMPLE FROM PAGE 1

cient parking nor a proper tree conservation plan to compensate for more than 10,000 square feet of trees illegally cut down to create a large gravel parking lot.

Finally, the appeal says temple activities have created a public nuisance in the neighborhood.

In interviews, neighbors described flooding of their homes from rainwater running downhill from the deforested property; they said the flooding issues started when the congregation began to cut down trees. Neighbors also complained about highly amplified sound during outdoor festivals.

“They have held multiple events with loudspeakers, karaoke-style singing and drums,” said Paula Price, who lives several houses down Snowden Road from the temple.

The noise, which includes chanting, has occurred as often as every couple of weeks in warm months and is “ear-splittingly loud,” according to Cathy Williams, who lives four houses down.

“From 8 in the morning till 9 or 10 at night,” added Cathy’s husband, Clyde.

Cathy Williams said they also

The Laurel Independent | January 2024

have experienced house damage from flooding and trees dying from saturated soil. They had French drains installed at a cost of $14,000 but now are worried about foundation cracks appearing around most of the bottom of the house.

Leah Washington-Johnson, whose lot adjoins the temple property, said the number of events declined significantly last summer. But she said water running downhill has washed out a wall of a stairwell to her basement, requiring replacement and drainage measures costing $27,000. “We’ve flooded so many times … we had to replace the sump pumps at least three times. … I can’t use my basement.”

Washington-Johnson also noted that the Buddhist congregation had placed a 15-foot Buddha statue just over its property line in her yard, which the temple’s lawyer, Traci Scudder, acknowledged to the planning board during a September hearing. “That statue will be relocated off that neighboring property,” she said.

“We will mitigate the gravel that has formed over the years in that location.”

Gabrielle Masten, who lives three houses from the temple property, said her basement also has flooded, with water wash-

ing in the windows. She has had to spend $50,000 on repairs, she said, including replacing flooring, repairing walls, dealing with mold and replacing ruined belongings.

She said she also had to have the driveway repaved due to damage caused by erosion.

Clyde Williams said, “We have nothing against the people. … We extended an open hand. We want to be treated like neighbors. They treat us with disrespect — ‘it’s your problem.’ “ Cathy Williams said she and other homeowners have called numerous county agencies to complain about problems, and county officials have responded at times with directives for the temple to lower its noise and stop its tree-cutting, but the issues kept recurring. After a while, “it seemed like no one cared,” she said.

The Laurel Independent sent an email to the Prince George’s County Department of Permits, Inspections and Enforcement seeking information about complaints the department had received about the temple and enforcement actions it had taken.

As of press time, the paper had not received a response.

Master Thích Chúc Dai, also known as Quoc Vy Do), the temple’s spiritual leader and one of

four monks serving there, said the problem for all the properties was rainwater washing off Route 197.

Vy Do said both stormwater and noise issues would abate with construction of the new temple. He said the plans call for new drainage measures around the parking lot. He also said that some of the outdoor events would be moved inside when they have the new, larger temple space, reducing sounds heard by neighbors.

Vy Do said the congregation, which has 100 to 200 members, is one of about nine Vietnamese temples in the Baltimore-Washington area.

He confirmed that the congregation celebrates three major festivals: a Compassion Festival around the time of cherry trees blossoming, Buddha’s birthday in May, and Parent Day, during which Buddha’s father and mother are celebrated and teachings focus on maintaining good family relationships. These festivals draw significantly larger crowds than normally attend the weekly meetings, he said.

Member Danny Nguyen said the temple wants to be a good neighbor, adding that the congregation plans to have a food pantry and do coat drives for school children.

“We welcome everyone,” he said.

But at the September hearing, planning board member William Doerner addressed the temple’s lawyer. “Ms. Scudder, It doesn’t reflect very well on your applicant.

They’re not being a good neighbor. … Just personally, I would think that a religious institution or group would be a little bit more welcoming, neighborly,” he said.

County planners who reviewed the site plan suggested that the Quan Am statue should be limited to 15 feet instead of 28 feet.

But planning board members approved the greater height after Scudder warned them that denying it could be an impingement on the temple’s religious freedoms.

Scudder specifically mentioned two cases in which federal courts ruled in favor of county religious congregations after the district council had denied their right to sewer service. One of those cases was in Laurel, in which a federal appellate court ruled in 2008 that the county was guilty of religious discrimination by refusing to allow Reaching Hearts International Seventh-day Adventist Church to build on property on Brooklyn Bridge Road. The court ordered the county to pay $3.7 million in damages. Reaching Hearts was built and opened for worship in 2017.

THE

OFFICIAL NEWS FROM THE CITY OF LAUREL

City of Laurel Ledger

VOL. 3, NO. 1

JANUARY 2024

WORKING TOGETHER: CITY OF LAUREL 2023 ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2023 was a banner year for the City of Laurel! We are excited to share in this edition of the Laurel Ledger some of the accomplishments and progress each Department made toward improving the lives of Laurel residents and businesses. Every year, your City government and its staff works hard to give you the best services and understands the importance of being responsive to your concerns and this is evident in each of the listed highlights below. It shows how well we all work together to find solutions to the issues, questions and concerns you inform us about on a daily basis. If you are wondering what some of those highlights are, then please read on. To learn more about Laurel and all it has to offer, then be sure to visit our revamped web site (just one in the long list of accomplishments in 2023) at www.cityoflaurel.org. And let us say Thank You for all of your support that keeps Laurel a great place to live, work and thrive!

MAYOR’S OFFICE MAYOR

Received the 2023 Maryland Municipal League Achievement Award for Laurel Citizens University.

Completed Phase 1 of the Laurel Multiservice Center, with a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Gymnasium.  For the 17th straight year, the City of Laurel was named a Banner City by the Maryland Municipal League.  The City of Laurel completed a video through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) TV/WebEdgeSociety, which focused on the City as a fast-growing growing community.  

CITY COUNCIL OFFICE  

Held a successful and equitable City of Laurel General Election and held Early Voting successfully in both voting Wards for the first time.

Passed seventeen (17) ordinances and adopted eleven (11) resolutions.

OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR       

Completed City’s First Strategic Plan (more to come in a future edition!)

Successfully negotiated FOP Collective Bargaining Agreement and was approved by Mayor and City Council.

Received $2.5 million in non-matching bond funding from Maryland Department of General Services for the Engineering, Architecture and Construction of the Laurel Multiservice Center.

Secured 1.2 million in State funding for FY24 and 1.2 million in FY 25 for Historic Dam Ruin Restoration project.

Worked with Ethics Commission to have Ethics Ordinance updated and approved by Mayor and City Council (Ordinance No. 2013).

Coordinated and held City’s first Volunteer Fair.

Implemented new pay scale for all City employees prior to the state’s minimum wage raise.

BUDGET AND PERSONNEL SERVICES

Developed a monthly, full-day orientation program for new employees to familiarize them with what each City Department does for the City and residents.  Updated Ordinance No. 1927, the Veteran and Elderly real estate tax program, that approved 46 applications in its first five years, with Ordinance No. 2003, that processed 49 new applications this past summer, and reviewed property ownership and other documentation to verify the applicants eligibility. 

LAUREL POLICE DEPARTMENT  Reinstituted Citizen’s Police Academy and graduated two classes in 2023.  Engaged the youth through the Second Annual Block Party at the Towne Centre at Laurel and held the first annual Youth Summit.  Instituted a hiring bonus to recruit and retain high-level employees and committed to a succession plan that prepares the Laurel Police Department (LPD) officers to be executives and leaders within the agency.  Worked with City Departments to revise Chapter 17 of the Municipal Code (Traffic and Parking) by using modern, clarifying and gender-neutral language and amended Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code (Nuisance Properties) so that the Chief of Police can order a summary closure of a business when it is necessary to avoid an immediate threat to public safety and/or community welfare.

Page 1

COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT  Merged the Laurel Multiservice Center, Helping Hands, and Emergency Management to create the Department of Community Resources and Emergency Management.  Updated the Prince George’s County and City of Laurel Hazard Mitigation Plan.  Successfully recertified the Community Rating System (CRS) program with FEMA. PUBLIC WORKS  Using ARPA funding, implemented a new Brine Operations System that was setup and installed a 6,100-gallon gallon fiberglass tank in the DPW yard to store brine that is produced onsite, and retrofitted several DPW vehicles to deploy the brine during snow events.  Implemented a cutting-edge Fleet Telematics Program that seamlessly integrated state-of-the-art art cameras into the DPW vehicle fleet GPS features to empower the City to assess road conditions, enabling swift responses to other unforeseen events.  Installed innovative storm drain grates strategically designed to prevent trash from entering waterways, effectively mitigating pollution that goes into the Bay Bay. PARKS AND RECREATION  Phase 1 (Recreation Portion - Gymnasium) of the Laurel Multiservice Center opened.  Replaced all gas-powered landscaping equipment, with all new electric equipment and electric charging trailers to help the environment.  Completed and installed new state of the art LED lighting, pole cameras, push button emergency call stations around both lakes.  Added Community and Culture Day to the list of City events.

COMMUNICATIONS  Launched Podcast City Studios, the latest tool for disseminating information, emergency alerts, and entertainment news to the community and beyond.  For the first time ever, the Department of Communications was able to broadcast the City’ss Fourth of July Fireworks LIVE, using a three-camera camera production system that was highly viewed and very well received by the community.  Social Media engagement hit new milestones, with the City of Laurel-Government Facebook page hitting 14,000 followers, as well as notable growth on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) platforms.

FIRE MARSHAL AND PERMIT SERVICES  Completed over 1,926 inspections.  Established a user-friendly platform for engineers, architects, developers and citizens to access adopted building codes standards and amendments.  Cross trained the CBO and Fire Marshals on trade-various inspections.  Integrated digital codes into daily use and Departmental operations.

ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT  Helped relaunch and operate the Laurel Farmers Market located on Main Street during the summer.  Creation of Laurel Eats which puts a spotlight on the unique and diverse restaurants within the City.  Continued updates to the Unified Land Development Code including the Historic District Design Guidelines and creation of the first for sale affordable housing ordinance in the City.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHONOLOGY  Expanded the City’s fiber network to service Discovery Park, Gude Park, and Centennial Park for free public wireless internet and security surveillance.  Launched a new City web site and mobile app for enhanced communication and information distribution.  Converted all City facilities to SIP VoIP service for more stable, robust phone coverage.

GREEN LIVING  Coordinated visit by Lt. Governor Aruna Miller to showcase the City’s sustainability efforts.  Passed: Ordinance No. 2010, establishing the requirements for all residents to divert organic waste from the landfill beginning in 2025 and updated Ordinance No. 2008’s definition of a reuseable bag, established a fee (retained by the business) for paper bags and determined an effective date and penalties for non-compliance.  Completed the installation of Blink EV charging stations for public use at the 312 Main Street parking lot, the DiPietro Community Center and the Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center.

Page 2

Here’s to a bright and prosperous year, as the Mayor, City Council and Staff work to make Community First in 2024!

City of Laurel Legislation

COUNCIL OFFICE

Listed below are recent legislative actions taken, if any, by the Laurel City Council during the past month of 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. For the full agendas, visit www.cityoflaurel.org.

Adopted Legislation: 

(Dates and Times Subject to Change)

There were no Bid Recommendations in December.

January 2024 Government Meetings  January 16th - Historic District Commission (6:00p)  January 22nd - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm)  January 25th - Board of Appeals (6:00pm) February 2024 Government Meetings  February 7th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Work Session (6:00pm)  February 12th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm)  February 13th - Planning Commission (6:00p)  February 20th - Historic District Commission (6:00pm)  February 26th - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00p)  February 29th - Board of Appeals (6:00pm)

Appointments: 

clerk@laurel.md.us

Government Meetings

There was no legislation passed in December.

Bid Recommendations: 

301-725-5300 ext. 2121

There were no Appointments or Reappointments in December.

City Announcements and Events (Dates and Times Subject to Change) 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - January 15, 2024 

City/Passport Offices Closed. Visit www.cityoflaurel.org/calendars for adjusted collection details.



Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service - January 15, 2024 - 10:00am 2:00pm - Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Ft. Meade Road. Call 301-725-5300 ext. 2109 for volunteer opportunities.



Introductory Sustainability Plan Meeting - January 18th - 5:30pm - 7:30pm - Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road.



Senior Services: Cabin Fever Carnival - January 24th - 1:00pm at the Cabana. Visit cityoflaurel.org/senior-services for costs/to sign up or call 301776-6168.



Town Hall Listening Session with Mayor Sydnor - January 25th - 7:00 8:00pm, Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center Council Chambers



FREE Indoor Movie - “The Super Mario Bros” - January 26th - 7:00pm at Partnership Activity Center, 811 5th Street.



Teen Trip: Snowtubing - February 3rd - Visit www.cityoflaurel.org/parks to register or call 301-725-7800.



Adult Trip: Rod ’n Reel Resort and Casino - March 6th - 9:00am - 4:00pm.

Visit cityoflaurel.org/parks to sign up or call 301-725-7800.



FREE Indoor Movie - “The Little Mermaid” - February 16th - 7:00pm at Partnership Activity Center, 811 5th Street.



Presidents’ Day Holiday - February 19, 2024 



City/Passport Offices Closed. Visit www.cityoflaurel.org/calendars for adjusted collection details.

To learn more or register for a Parks and Recreation League, visit www.cityoflaurel.org/parks/adult-sports-activities or call 301-725-7800.

Page 3

CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE. PLACE ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR.

CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE . PLACE ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR.

City Offices Closed

PUBLIC WORKS

301-725-0088

DPW@laurel.md.us

Division of Emergency Management: Severe Winter Weather Preparedness Winter storms can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, sleet, heavy snowfall, ice, and high winds. These storms can cause disruptions to transportation, heat, power, and communications. With atmospheric changes resulting in warmer and shorter winters, we can expect heavier snowfall as a result of more moisture being stored in the atmosphere. Be prepared and have a plan for when you may be impacted by severe winter weather. Plan to stay indoors when possible and have emergency supplies that can last one to two weeks if a winter storm is approaching. Use the following tips to help you and your family prepare: • • • • •

Winterize your home. Insulate exposed pipes, clean chimney and caulk/weather strip doors and windows.

If you must go outside dress properly. Keep extremities well covered and dry if possible.

Set aside drinking water as you may lose access to clean drinking water if power goes out.

Have a snow shovel and ice-melting products on hand. And shovel smart! Dress warm, move small amounts of snow, hydrate and take frequent breaks!

Sign up to receive free emergency alerts from the City at https://www.cityoflaurel.org/230/Stay-Informed.

Keep you and your family safe this winter! For more Winter Preparedness Tips, visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter.

CITY CONTACTS www.cityoflaurel.org Page 4

MAYOR’S OFFICE

CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE

LAUREL POLICE

301-725-5300 ext. 2125

301-725-5300 ext. 2242

Non-Emerg: 301-498-0092 Emerg: 301-725-3000

laurelmayor@ laurel.md.us

cadmin@ laurel.md.us

lpd@ laurel.md.us

PARKS AND RECREATION

COMMUNICATIONS

301-725-7800

301-725-5300 Ext. 2208

parks@ laurel.md.us

laurelpio@ laurel.md.us

January 2024 | The Laurel Independent

SCHOOL FROM PAGE 1

volunteering for both the state and national trade associations for professional electrologists, including her current role as president of the Maryland Association of Professional Electrologists, Collins saw that those offering online instruction, particularly in support of the continuing education units licensed electrologists need to earn each year, were making money during the early months of COVID-19, while those only offering direct services weren’t, and, thus, another long-considered but distant dream started to form more clearly in her mind.

Collins knew the only professional schools accredited by Maryland’s licensing board were in New York, Massachusetts, Florida and California, making the financial hurdle to become a licensed electrologist too high for many.

“It’s not just the tuition costs, but all the attendant costs of travel, accommodations, food and such that really add up for students who have to travel far to receive in-person instruction,” Collins said. It was time, she felt, for Maryland to have a professional electrology school.

“We’re desperately in need of more licensed electrologists in Maryland,” said Debra Larson, a board member of the Electrology Practice Committee for the Maryland Board of Nursing, which licenses the profession. “Fifteen years ago, there were about 240 practitioners; now we have about 70. All of us have waiting lists for new clients and many of us want to retire, but there are

Page 7

few new practitioners who can take over our practices. With the new school, we’re hoping to see 10, maybe 20, new professionals in the state each year.”

Collins went on a journey of more paperwork, jumping through hoops and learning the ins and outs of the accreditation process than she’d ever thought humanly possible.

But such was the process, and such was the cost.

She first needed to become a licensed instructor, which took about a year to accomplish. Then, to open a private career school, she needed to get her curriculum together and complete a 64-page application to the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), which took about six months to complete.

The second part of the credentialing process required she have a signed lease, all necessary permits and all equipment needed to run the school before MHEC would grant her the license. She was also finishing up her B.S. in psychology, which she received in December 2022.

After almost 11 months of correcting a number of issues for the commission, Collins received final approval to open the Maryland Electrolysis Education Center in October 2023.

Within a week of receiving her final approval, Collins had enrolled her first three students, and two more enrolled in the next month. These first five students are currently finishing up the 250 hours of self-paced study and online theory. After that work is completed, each student will receive 400 hours of in-person, small-class clinical train-

Eileen Collins, owner and lead instructor at Maryland Electrolysis Education Center.

COURTESY OF @KAPTUREDBYKASPER

ing, taught by Collins and another licensed practitioner.

“My mother became an electrologist when I was 12, at a time when career options for women were far more limited than they are now. It was actually my dad who encouraged me to join my mother in this field. He’d pointed out how my mother could make her own schedule, have her own business in an ever-growing field and have more control over her time and life,” said Collins, who joined her mom in the same business, Executive Electrolysis, with locations in Laurel and Columbia, where they both still work today.

Selecting Laurel as the new school’s location was a no-brainer for Collins. A Prince George’s County resident all her life, she’s lived in Laurel for the past 26 years, and was volunteer extraordinaire at her son’s school in earlier years, having served as PTA president and earning the Parent Involvement Matters Award from Laurel Elementary.

She was also recognized as a volunteer of the year by the Laurel Historical Society and has served in other local communityservice activities.

Laurel’s convenient location in a densely populated area between the District and Baltimore and easy access from many major highways made her hometown an easy choice.

“I don’t think I truly had a sense, some 30 years ago, how much my life would benefit from the decision to become a licensed electrologist,” Collins said. “I’ve had both freedom and income, and I’ve helped thousands of people feel more confident, and not be plagued with unwanted hair. I’ve made friends and developed relationships that have deepened my commitment to our profession, and now I get to share that opportunity to do the same with others. It has been a journey to get to where I am now, but one worth every step of the way.”

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The Laurel Independent | January 2024

NATIVE GARDENING WITH JIMMY

Grow a thrifty native garden with winter sowing

By JIMMY ROGERS

F

or generations, gardening has been equated with thrift. What could be cheaper than growing your own tomatoes, with nothing more than seeds, soil and sweat? Of course, vegetable gardens and native plant landscapes alike can quickly run into unexpected costs that undermine the potential savings. Let’s discuss unique costs for native gardens and how to save through specific behaviors and techniques.

Most new native gardeners start small. Perhaps they receive a free plant somewhere and put it in an existing bed. Or maybe they buy a few plants at the garden center or native nursery in the spring during seasonal planting. This can continue for a while, but eventually inspiration strikes and a big patch of grass seems like the perfect place for an entirely new native bed.

When a garden project grows from a few square feet to 100 or more, costs can add up. Native gardeners tend to plant densely to keep down weeds and provide more habitat for wildlife. Properly covered ground requires an initial planting of one to one and a half plants per square foot. All of a sudden our 100-square-foot garden (only 10 feet long and wide) needs up to 150 plants. At

Winter sowing jugs COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EXTENSION MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM

$7 to $9 for plants in quart-sized containers, that starts to get into serious money.

A few design and acquisition practices can save money during a garden buildout process.

— Plan structural shrubs that will take up space, anchor your design, and provide food and

cover for wildlife. While the young shrubs grow in, seed with annual filler plants like partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) and black eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) in sun, or for shade, Indian tobacco (Lobelia inflata) or yellow fumewort (Corydalis flavula).

FROM PAGE 4

a campfire followed by a walk around Merganser Pond. Jan. 28, 2 p.m.

Craft and Create: 3D Embroidery. Participate in 3D crafting and learn a new skill. Feb. 1 at 10 a.m.

South Tract, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop

Third Sundays: DJ Swing Dances. Hosted by Gottaswing, the event kicks off with a free lesson.

5 to 7:30 p.m. $10

Makerspace Monday: 3Design for 3D Doodlers. Create 3D shapes and models. Feb. 5 at 3:30 p.m.

Fox, Coyote or Dog? Learn to tell the differences between these three canines at the Kid’s Discovery Center, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. and noon.

CALENDAR

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 North Tract, 230 Bald Eagle Drive Marshmallow Roast and Hike. Children up to age 10 are invited to bundle up for an outdoor storytime and marshmallow roasting around

Hollingsworth Art Gallery.

January’s exhibit features photographs of birds by New Carrollton’s Wade Stephen.

CARROLL BALDWIN HALL 9035 Baltimore St., Savage. 410.294.3561 Third Thursdays: Volunteer Work Nights. Hands-on projects from painting to cleaning and mortar repair. Food provided.

From 6 to 9 p.m.

Zumba with Susana Miller. Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Assuage Yoga in the Library.

Wednesdays from 6 to 7 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. LaurelBeltsville Senior Activities Center, 7120 Contee Rd. 301.206.3380 Friday Food Festival. American Legion Post 60 hosts Friday dinners, with Canteen 60 serving the first and third Friday of the month and P&G Catering on the second and

— Take advantage of the free plants from your community.

Each spring and fall, numerous native plant groups hold plant shares where folks are encouraged to take home a bundle of donations. Or ask a neighbor who grows natives if you can come by with a shovel to divide their mature plants.

— If you are going to spend on plants, invest in groundcovers first. Consider buying these in plug trays from consumerfacing websites like Izel Native Plants (izelplants.com). This can bring the cost down to as little as $2.50 per plant.

— Avoid buying cultivar native plants, as many of these are sterile clones that will not offer up free volunteers in your garden.

Straight species plants are more likely to spread year after year.

Among money-saving techniques, there is one that stands out above all the rest: winter sowing.

Winter sowing means more than sowing seeds in the winter. Scattering or planting seeds on the ground in any season is called direct sowing. In contrast, winter sowing is the practice of creating a miniature greenhouse within a translucent container (milk jugs work well), adding potting mix and seeds, and leaving everything outside all winter. In the spring, the seeds ger-

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. Jan. 22, 7 p.m. St. Philips Episcopal Church, 522 Main St. toastmastersclubs.org

FOOD PANTRIES, DISTRIBUTIONS St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.

Food distributions in partnership with Capital Area Food Bank.

Third Sunday of every month; next distribution is Jan. 21 from 9 a.m to noon. Sixth and Prince George sts.

minate and are soon ready for planting in the ground. While many types of plants can be winter sown, it works particularly well for our native plants, especially those that wait to sprout until they’ve been through a cold winter.

CONTAINERS As soon as you decide to start a winter sowing project, start collecting the number of containers you will need, one per species. Ask neighbors to save translucent milk jugs and juice containers. Reach out to a local coffee shop to ask for their used jugs at the end of the day.

To prepare the container, wash it well and discard the cap. Make five or six half-inch holes in the bottom for drainage. Then, slice the jug in half, leaving the handle side intact, so it can open and close on a hinge.

SOWING You can first sow seeds on the winter solstice (Dec. 21). This is the best starting time for native plants requiring cold stratification. That said, you can start any time until February and expect results.

Pack the bottom of the container with three to four inches of wet potting mix (not soil) and then seeds across the top of the SEE SOWING ON 10 

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 Center, 114 St. Mary’s Pl. Call before you come.

301.725.3080 Gospel Assembly Church food pantry, 8740 Cherry Ln, Suite 12.

For times, call 301.605.3756

January 2024 | The Laurel Independent

Page 9

PGCPS asks for state funds, proposes budget

By KIT SLACK In December, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Superintendent Millard House II laid out the school system’s plans to advocate in the state capitol this coming legislative session, which runs now through April 8.

House also published a proposed $2.8 billion operating budget and a 90 Day Plan Report, described as a roadmap for immediate action.

MORE MONEY, FEWER STRINGS ATTACHED The school district is advocating more state funding to offset the end of federal COVID-19 relief, as well as full funding under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, state legislation passed in 2021 to dramatically increase school funding over 10 years.

PGCPS seeks state funds for student welfare: for universal free lunch, counselors, addiction and crime prevention, immunization and school-based wellness clinics.

The school district also wants more state funding for virtual education and to pay more competitive wages to information technology staff.

School construction is a big focus of the PGCPS legislative platform, including construction to support expansion of pre-kindergarten and career and technical education programs. School construction, according to PGCPS, should be exempt from “uncommonly rigorous stormwater management requirements, including during the construction period.”

PGCPS wants flexibility and control over testing and assessments and opposes dedicating more classroom time to state tests.

When it comes to staffing and

recruitment, the school district says the state should require uniform teacher career ladders in districts throughout Maryland, which would make it more difficult for other school districts to recruit teachers away from the county. PGCPS advocates waiving standardized testing requirements for teachers who fail repeated attempts to pass required exams but are highly effective in the classroom, according to PGCPS evaluations.

PGCPS also advocates lifting the requirement that teachers from out of state recertify in Maryland.

PGCPS advocates a significant increase in funding for special education, in particular, including for incentives to attract qualified staff and for tuition at non-public schools The school district also seeks more state funding for transportation, electric buses and bus driver recruitment.

Among other points calling for less state interference in the board of education’s operations, the platform says the county school board should have authority to appoint the superintendent, according to the PGCPS

HEALTH FROM PAGE 5

“I wrote this book because there is a generation struggling. A generation in enormous student loan debt, being underpaid and undervalued, so I wanted to encourage people to pursue their dreams but to think out of the box about what success and wellness could look like for themselves,” she said. “This is especially important for many of us who have entered helping professions such as social work, education, and public administra-

platform. Currently, the county executive selects the superintendent with the help of a three-person committee whose members are selected by the governor and the state superintendent.

PGCPS PROPOSES BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR Security and online learning programs account for the biggest staffing increases in House’s proposed operating budget, released Dec. 18.

The budget proposes 59 new full-time equivalent security positions across the district’s 200 schools and 41 more employees for virtual classrooms.

The budget forecasts an increase from 55 to 600 students who will require in-home and hospital teaching.

The budget would also add 23 full-time equivalent employees for school athletic programs.

The school board will approve the final operating budget this summer after adjusting for state and county funding decisions made this spring as well as public feedback and revisions by the school board.

The $2.8 billion proposed budget is a 0.9% increase over this

year’s, with a projected enrollment increase of 0.7%, to 133,000 students. Nearly $21,000 would be spent per K-12 student.

The proposed budget forecasts an $86 million reduction in federal funding as COVID-19 relief money runs out. It includes about $960 million in county funds, an increase of about $16 million over the prior year. About $1.6 billion comes from the state, a $43 million increase over the prior year. The budget shows PGCPS carrying over a $120 million fund balance, $50 million more than the prior year’s balance.

90-DAY REPORT AND ROADMAP House’s 90-day report explaining new initiatives he intends to take on this school year was released Dec. 19.

House said he has commissioned a transportation audit and a website functionality audit.

He listed new strategies for learn-

ers with special needs as a top priority in terms of equity, though the report did not include specifics.

House said he intends to convene and collaborate with parent, student, principal and teacher advisory committees and is considering hiring more parent engagement assistants. About 80 schools in the county currently have a staff person in that role, according to House’s report.

“We can’t do this alone,” House said in a video released with the report. “We need your active participation, your partnership and your accountability. Moving forward, please know that your feedback will continue to be valued in our decision making and in everything we do. We are not just building a school district, we are crafting a community-driven future.”

Residents can attend public hearings on the PGCPS proposed budget Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. More information at pgcps.org/offices/board-ofeducation.

tion with the desire to move up the social, economic, and political ladder while also helping our communities. We are working in a system that has been rigged not to help the people but instead focus on profits. So, we must be creative in using our education and skills to build financial independence while not giving up hope on making a positive social change.”

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Page 10

The Laurel Independent | January 2024

Explore the Trails and Towns of Prince George’s County!

www.anacostiatrails.org Your community newspaper needs you!

We welcome new tips and photos, as well as letters to the editor and op-eds on topics of local interest.

We are looking for volunteer reporters and columnists to help us cover what is happening in our communities more completely.

SOWING

MORE INFORMATION

FROM PAGE 8

mix, ensuring they make good contact with the soil. It’s a good idea to put a popsicle stick in the mix with the name of the plant and also label the outside with a sharpie. Tape it all back together with duct tape around the middle and set it in a sunny spot where the rain and snow can come down on the container.

CRACKING In the spring, when you see about an inch of growth, you can crack your containers in order to get a better view of them. When you’re ready, you can either carefully separate the seedlings into more space to grow them up further before planting or cut a hunk of the dense seedlings out

Master Gardeners Molly Moore and Marlene Smith from the University of Maryland Extension Service have recorded an excellent class that will tell you anything and everything you might want to know about winter sowing before you start. To see their video, go to YouTube and search YouTube for “All the Dirt on Winter Sowing Native Plants.” and plant them directly in the ground. In the latter approach, the seedlings will battle it out, with the strongest surviving.

This technique has been widely used by all kinds of gardeners and has a high success rate for beginners. Plus, it’s a great family activity that teaches everyone about how to grow plants.

There are many great websites and Facebook groups out there for winter sowing, so do look around for answers when you

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run into any issues.

We can grow more native plants in residential spaces, and thus grow more habitat, if we dismantle the barriers to participation that people face. Cost often poses a huge barrier to firsttime gardeners. Even if you are personally comfortable spending a few hundred dollars each season on nursery plants, learning thrifty habits may not only help ease your own budget, but you can also present an achievable strategy to your friends and neighbors when you inevitably become the resident native gardener on your block.

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

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January 2024 | The Laurel Independent

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workers they need • Improving public safety by requiring state, county and city agencies to boost cooperation and to reduce recidivism by creating robust pathways for prisoners to get skills they need to go right to work in honest jobs when they’re released Transparency, accountability or budget cuts: Primarily in the use of state investment in public safety and education District-specific issues • Oversight of Route 1 and Purple Line light rail line construction through College Park • Seeking a major state grant for the Laurel Multipurpose Center, which will expand help for the homeless, as well as for recreation facilities for the whole community Public school funding: We’ll do all we can to protect it. The issue is that, several years from now, the state and the county will need to invest more to make the major improvements in pre-K, mental health, reading and math, college prep, early college and apprenticeships starting in high school, which is required by the Blueprint school reform law already passed.

Delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman and I are focused on how to do this in a way which protects other important public services and is fair for working and retired families.

the committee aims to enhance health benefits and reduce the number of uninsured Marylanders through targeted legislative measures. Notable priorities within this context include Assisted Outpatient Therapy, Access to Care, and Death with Dignity, reflecting a commitment to improving mental health services and health care accessibility.

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are maintained, even in the face of tightening budgets.

Delegates Ben Barnes and Mary Lehman had not responded to our inquiry as of press time.

DISTRICT 23 (South Laurel) Delegate Marvin E. Holmes Jr.

Transparency, accountability or budget cuts: Given the tight budgetary constraints this year, a concerted effort will be made to ensure transparency, accountability and prudent financial management. There will be a cautious approach towards any unnecessary spending, and the creation of new programs requiring substantial state fiscal investment will be limited.

This aligns with the necessity to navigate the challenges of a constrained budget while still addressing vital legislative responsibilities.

Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk

District-specific issues: In terms of district-specific issues, collaboration with fellow district representatives is key. Together, we plan to prioritize funding for essential projects like the replacement of air conditioning and heating units for Village Commons in Gambrills and the installation of elevators at the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department to enhance ADA accessibility. By addressing these and other local needs, we aim to directly contribute to the well-being and infrastructure improvement of our community.

Top priorities: As chair of the House Health and Government Operations Committee, my top legislative priorities for this session revolve around critical areas such as public health, insurance, pharmaceuticals, health occupations, long-term care, behavioral health and government operations. One primary focus is on expanding the authority of the prescription drug affordability board to address the escalating costs of medications. Additionally,

Public school funding: Despite budgetary constraints, the commitment to public education remains steadfast. The implementation of the 10-year Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education reform plan will continue, with a focus on expanding early childhood education, hiring and retaining high-quality teachers, preparing students for various career paths, and providing additional resources for students in need. This ensures that educational priorities

Top priorities: In 2024, I am looking forward to working with my fellow legislators to pass key housing and land access initiatives.

• Creating the State Board of Common Ownership Community Managers in the Maryland Department of Labor to oversee the licensing of community managers who provide management services for common ownership communities • Authorizing counties and municipalities to establish a local trust fund or other appropriate fund for the purpose of repairing or rehabilitating infrastructure within communities that are sub-

ject to the Maryland Condominium Act or the Maryland Homeowners Association Act • Establish a task force on common ownership communities, staffed by the Office of the Attorney General, to study numerous issues related to the operation of common ownership communities • Increase funding for homeownership and reduce barriers for new housing construction

District-specific issues • Authorizing the City of Bowie to exercise the powers of the Prince George’s County Planning Board, the Zoning Hearing Examiner for Prince George’s County, or the District Council for Prince George’s County to make land-use decisions • Permitting Bowie State University to take control over approximately 190 acres of adjacent land to expand campus housing

Transparency, accountability or budget cuts: I am actively reviewing the pathway for obtaining licensure as a real estate appraiser and certification as a residential or general real estate appraiser. This includes providing a substitute for the existing statutory requirement that an applicant for licensure or certification complete at least 1,000 or 1,500 hours, respectively, by allowing real estate appraiser services as a trainee under the supervision of a certified appraiser, for an educational requirement towards licensure.

Public school funding: The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future increases annual education funding to over $3.8 billion and changes the way local education agencies budget, allocate and spend their resources to better support all students. My mission is to ascertain that Prince George’s County is getting our fair share of the $3.8 billion.

Senator Ron Watson and Delegates Adrian Boafo and Kym Taylor had not responded to our inquiry as of press time.

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The Laurel Independent | January 2024

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