03-2024 The Laurel Independent

Laurel athletes excel

Junior Alexandra Ford won a Maryland girls state championship in wrestling on March 2. On March 5, the men’s basketball team beat Northwood High, of Silver Spring, to win the Class 4A South 1 regional championship.

By JOE MURCHISON

For Laurel High School’s athletic program, the first week of March was a good week.

Junior Alexandra Ford won a Maryland girls state championship in wrestling on March 2. She is the first female from the school to win that distinction and the 19th wrestler from Laurel High to be an individual state champion.

On March 5, the men’s basketball team beat Northwood High, of Silver Spring, to win the Class 4A South 1 regional championship. The victory placed Laurel among the final eight

teams in Class 4A, which includes the state’s largest high schools. The regional championship was Laurel’s first since 2009.

Laurel then lost a nail-biter to Bethesda’s Walt Whitman High on March 8 in the state quarterfinals, 7372. The back-and-forth game ended with Laurel getting off three shots to win in the last minute, but they didn’t go down.

“They’ve been resilient all year,” head coach Eric Hines said of his players. “We’ll grow from this point, and continue to get better.” All the starters are

Rescheduled Black history event a success, P.2

Columnist stars in new show, P.4

Local sculptor honors children’s author, P.7

County joins MeatOut Day

By HAYDEN SMITH

The Prince George’s County Council signed a resolution proclaiming March 20 as MeatOut Day in the county. Residents are encouraged to participate by having plantbased meals and restaurants will offer specials.

The resolution aims to raise awareness about the potential health, environmental and ethical benefits of reducing meat consumption.

The council has produced a fact sheet (tinyurl.com/33e3df76) noting that a plantbased diet helps prevent and reverse heart disease, increases energy and promotes a longer, healthier life.

County Councilmember Thomas Dernoga (District 1), who co-sponsored the resolu-

Level Up program benefits local spa

By KATIE V. JONES

After years of working in the restaurant business, Taji Kelly needed a break.

“As a general manager of a restaurant, it was 24/7 go go go,” Kelly said. “It was hard to come down. I needed to let go.”

So, she quit her job and enrolled in a school in Vienna, Va., to learn how to do massage.

“The restaurant business paid the bills, and I’m a big people person,” Kelly said. “The pandemic made me think, do something you enjoy. Health and wellness was always a passion.”

Her Laurel-based business, Vent Suite Massage and Spa, is a “one stop shop for all things goodness,” she said, and it wouldn’t exist without her friend, Alana Andrews, as its director. Kelly also underscored the importance of the help she received from FSC First and its Level Up program.

Laurel High School junior Alexandra Ford won a Maryland girls state championship in wrestling. COURTESY OF MARC JACKSON

ATHLETES

FROM PAGE 1

underclassmen and are expected back next year.

Ford, a junior, won her wrestling championship in the 135-lb. class. She had an 18-4 record for the season.

Laurel High wrestling coach Marc Jackson said two of those victories came over boys, while three of her four defeats were to boys. Girls wrestling was sanctioned by the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association in 2019, and girls at Laurel can choose whether to compete against boys or not, the coach said. Four girls were on the team this year.

Ford won three matches at the state tournament, which was held at the Show Place Arena, in Upper Marlboro. Jackson said her toughest match was in the quarterfinals against a wrestler from Boonsboro High, in Washington County, who had won a state championship the previous year. Ford beat her by a score of 8-2.

“She just dominated that match completely,” Jackson said. “For all six min-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Cancel plans for housing project in Ward 2

Please cancel plans for a highdensity housing project in Ward 2. This 27-acre woodland site, the Pulte Home Company’s proposed 302 homes east of 95 and south of Route 198, was not zoned for high-density housing, and its construction is not supported by existing infrastructure. The project would over-crowd existing community amenities — schools, libraries, recreation and religious facilities — and would disrupt neighboring communities with increased traffic, particularly during rush hours. Insufficiently sized egress roads and water and sewer mains would likely have to be widened. Also, increased vehicle traffic would pose a threat to foot traffic in the region, adversely affecting children, those who are mobility challenged and

A

Mailing

The

the elderly. Further, high selling prices would make proposed units too costly to help with the housing crisis affecting Ward 2. Environmentally, the site’s large, impervious construction footprint would result in two major undesirable features: increased storm–water runoff, often with flooding, and a corresponding decrease in the volume of rainfall available to seep through down through the soil to become groundwater and replenish our streams year–round. Forests are champions at this environmental function; forests 100 or more years old are world champions.

Another, highly desirable ecological function of forests is their superiority at converting atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) into atmospheric oxygen

Managing Editor

Katie V. Jones

Katie@streetcarsuburbs.news

Associate Editor

Nancy Welch

Nancy@streetcarsuburbs.news

Columnists

Jimmy Rogers, Paul Ruffins

Writers & Contributors

Agnes Pasco Conaty, Katie V. Jones, Joe

Murchison, Hayden Smith

Layout & Design Editors

Ashley Perks, Valerie Morris

Web Editor

Jessica Burshtynskyy

Advertising Sales Manager

Amanda Berard

advertising@streetcarsuburbs.news

240.408.0722

through photosynthesis, with the carbon then being used for plant growth, which permanently sequesters it out of the atmosphere. This is of major importance in combating human–generated climate change.

Both benefits would cease if the construction were to occur, so cutting down this 27–acre established woodland tract would be a considerable ecological loss. Maintaining the woodland would benefit both current and future inhabitants of Laurel. Therefore, I urge the city to cancel plans for this proposed development and recommend that the city solidify this action by converting the property into public parkland.

Munro Meyersburg

Laurel

Business Manager

Executive Director

Board of Directors

President: Stephanie Stullich

Vice President & General Counsel: Michael Walls

Treasurer: Joe Murchison

Secretary: Melanie Dzwonchyk

Bette

Circulation:

utes, from the time the whistle blew, she was in control.”

The Laurel boys basketball team beat Northwood in the regional finals 69-62, boosting their won-loss record to 13-9.

Coach Hines said the game was a “fullteam effort” for his young team, which has only three seniors. Hines, who is in his first year as coach, said the players have developed well over the season. “The guys have found that team cohesion, and they are really committed to each other.”

Hines said standouts against Northwood were 6-foot guard Jermaine Taylor, who scored 22 points; 6-foot guard Amadou Kaloga, with 19; and 6-foot-3inch Christian Brown, with 13. He also praised 6-foot-6-inch Aiden Lee for making key rebounds and steals, 6-foot7-inch Gilbert Osafo for making two key blocks and grabbing a key rebound at the end of the game, and 6-foot-3-inch Kaiden Turner for “bringing key energy off the bench.”

All those players are juniors, except for Osafo, a sophomore. “At the right moment, they just made good plays,” Hines said.

Laurel’s Black History Month celebration deemed a success

By HAYDEN SMITH

Laurel’s Black History Month celebration showcasing local Black entrepreneurs and community talents found a new home at the city’s multiservice center on March 2.

Laurel City Councilmember Kyla Clark (Ward 2), who organized the celebration, said it was a great opportunity for local businesses to connect with city residents.

“We have populations that we haven’t really been able to connect with, and I’m looking for creative ways to connect with [them] and be more inclusive in our community,” she said. “We can share those experiences, learn from each other and also grow as a community.”

This year’s event was the first time Clark has taken the lead, previously helping then councilmember and current Mayor Keith Sydnor with past celebrations. The event was initially scheduled for Feb. 10 but was postponed due to a power outage.

Despite the hiccup, Clark used the opportunity to underscore her trust in the community and its resources.

“We want to make sure that we offer diverse perspectives and events and so that they would feel welcome at that multiservice center.”

Although some businesses could not attend the rescheduled event due to previous commitments, it still attracted 25 businesses.

“We want to make sure that we offer diverse perspectives and events and so that [community members] would feel welcome at that multiservice center.”

“It allows people to know who we are, because when you come to this event, you have people come from different locations for different reasons, and this allows people to see what we are,” Aramide Adeyemi, the owner of the fashion and styling brand Aramide, said.

The Laurel High School Choir and Laurel Dance Troupe, and Prince George’s County’s poet laureates Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman and youth laureate Saniya Pearson provided entertainment. There were also food trucks and a bouncy house for children.

Clark said that the extra work involved in rescheduling the event paid off.

“Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they thanked me and told me that they felt valued and seen through this event was priceless,” she said.

Kyla Clark

Laurel city councilmember (Ward 2)

Laurel High School’s men’s basketball team won the Class 4A South 1 regional championship.

COURTESY OF KEITH SYDNOR

“I needed everything from that place,” Kelly said. “They push you and challenge you.”

FSC First was founded in Prince George’s County, in 1978, to support small businesses through financial counseling and a range of programs. During the pandemic, the nonprofit helped businesses secure special grants funding. They also discovered that “many, many businesses were not able to provide basic documents,” like past tax returns, and were therefore “not able to take advantage of these funds,” according to Dawn R. Medley, president and CEO of FSC First.

Seeing a need, FSC First started the Level Up program, which offers technical assistance, training, coaching, mentoring and networking opportunities at no cost to businesses enrolled in the program, whether they are start-ups or established enterprises.

“The hope is that the business will be able to level up to a loan,” Medley said. “Their fi-

nancial documents will be in order, and they can get bank favor.”

Kelly said the Level Up program helped her change the way she thought about some things and prompted her to review troubled areas.

“Look at your business plan. Tackle these things and get good at it,” Kelly said. “If you get discouraged, go talk to someone.”

The program, she said, offers all the tools she needed to succeed.

“There are no excuses,” Kelly said. “This is a challenge. Face it, go to it and get through it.”

A successful business plan, Medley said, “thinks long term.”

“Prepare, prepare, prepare,” she added. “Many times, why small businesses get in trouble is they didn’t develop a comprehensive business plan.”

Level Up is hosting a Business Launch Camp, an interactive workshop on revenue modeling, target customers, business modeling and more on March 25 at the FSC First office in Upper Marlboro.

“We do a lot,” Medley said, noting that FSC First offers 14 different loan programs, each with a different mission in order “to fill that need, that gap” that prevents some small businesses from being considered bankable.

Kelly and Andrews work hard to offer upscale spa services to their clients. And while she dreams of having her own standalone spa offering a full range of services and a variety of classes, Kelly knows it will take time.

“We’ll have our own space soon. You have to be patient,” she said. Kelly launched her spa as a mobile business before opening in a room under the umbrella of Perfect Office Solutions, which offers parking, a receptionist, a conference room and bathrooms. Her next move, she hopes, will be to a small storefront in Laurel and eventually, to a bigger space with room for classes.

“We’re gearing up, very soon, April soon, to apply for funding and we’re out of here,” Kelly said. “It’s very exciting. I am so grateful.”

Alana Andrews, director, and Taji Kelly, owner, of Vent Suite Massage and Spa

KATIE V. JONES

NEWS BRIEFS

FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, VISIT STREETCARSUBURBS.NEWS UNIQUE SHOW AT LAUREL MILL PLAYHOUSE

Bob Reilly, The Laurel Independent’s “Beat of Laurel” columnist, will be featured in a unique show at Laurel Mill Playhouse in April.

“We’ve never had anything that

combines music, storytelling, audiovisuals and a band,” Maureen Rogers, artistic director at the playhouse, said with a chuckle. “It’s completely different.”

Reilly will share stories and songs inspired by his book, Rideshare by Robert. The Reilly Goulait Band, which is composed of

Laurel residents Reilly, Joe Goulait and Mike Walls, will provide music.

“I think it’s kind of neat that all three are local residents,” Rogers said. “They’ve joined the ride.”

Following the event, Reilly will be signing books at Olive on Main restaurant, next door to

the theater. “I’ve never seen anything like it and I’m pleased my company, Weinot Productions, is putting together this unique event,” Reilly said, in an email.

The show will take place at 2 p.m. on April 7 at Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main Street. Dinner follows at Olive on Main. Tickets are $45 and include the show plus $25 toward dinner and beverages. For more information, call 301.617.9906.

LAUREL CATS NEEDS HELP

Volunteers at Laurel Cats are looking for help. They need

temporary foster homes for 10 cats that recently came into the nonprofit’s care. Some of the cats have medical issues, and the nonprofit will cover the veterinarian bills while the cats are in foster care. Once medically ready, the cats can be available for adoption. All cats will be neutered or spayed, vaccinated and treated for fleas before being released to homes.

Laurel Cats is also seeking donations to help cover expenses for the cats. For more information, contact Laurel Cats at 301.866.0161.

Laurel students recognized for academic achievements

Zoe Schneider and Nikki Dent were named to the fall 2023 dean’s list at Rochester Institute of Technology, in New York.

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, a collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines, announced that the following residents were initiated at their universities:

Lillyanna House, University of Maryland, College Park

Anna Jamaica Huertazuela, University of Maryland, College Park

Ayobami Akinola, University of Maryland Global Campus

Jade Holmes, The Ohio State University

Alexander Pettit, University of Maryland Global Campus

The following were named to the fall 2023 dean’s list at University of Maryland Global Campus: Brenda Nchanzohasaah, Erica Epps, Elleni Bishaw, Nicole Singh. Khari Garrett Jr., PeterJohn Wilson, Kaitlyn Hollidge, Garjay Anderson, Courtney Mathur, Christy

Burroughs, Eveline Bobga Tatong, Danielle Quimbleyalexander, Alaysia Barrot, Imebet Negede, Ayobami Akinola, Taylor Lachance, Jacob Tolson, Brittany Benjamin, Nathaniel Asenso, Paul Ekeinde, Angela Foster, Armand Moore, Eleanora Johnson, Shonta McClain, Edward Devine, Samuel Airahuobhor, Cara Hostetler, Kelsey Eustace, Frank Lopez, Ahmed Kamara, Gary Patishnock, Elvis Nji, Dipti Patel and Janella Benn-Christie.

Yoshiko Slater was named to the fall 2023 dean’s list at Emerson College, in Massachusetts.

University of Iowa announced that Stephan Carlson graduated in the fall of 2023 with a doctorate in philosophy.

Devil Bristol was named to the dean’s list for fall 2023 at the University of Hartford, in Connecticut.

Maria Newell was named to the fall 2023 dean’s list at New Jersey’s Montclair State University.

Brianna Frey received dean’s list honors for fall 2023 at Berea College, in Kentucky.

Nicholas Usher was named to the fall 2023 dean’s list at James Madison University (JMU), in Virginia, while Marina Cohen, was recognized for landing a spot on the president’s list for fall 2023 at JMU.

Ryan Saunders was recognized on the dean’s list for fall 2023 at Frostburg State University.

Leianna Washington made the dean’s list for fall 2023 at Pennsylvania’s Delaware Valley University.

Sarah Shaner was named to the fall 2023 dean’s list at Grove City College, in Pennsylvania.

The following students were named to the fall 2023 dean’s

list at McDaniel College: Tatiana Hamilton (highest honors), Helen Trimble (highest honors), Kenneth Moore (honors), Hannah Loveless (highest honors) and Audrey Beck (highest honors).

Tatiana Hamilton was also named to the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society at McDaniel.

Anna Irwin and Quante Redd earned dean’s list honors at Shenandoah University, in Virginia, for fall 2023.

Maelynna Moreau was named to the fall 2023 provost’s list at Hofstra University, in New York.

Melinda Kern was named to Washington College’s fall 2023 dean’s list.

Carissa Ward made the fall 2023 dean’s list at the University of Evansville, in Indiana.

Madison Davis was named to the dean’s list at Slippery

Rock University, in Pennsylvania, for the fall 2023 semester.

Elvis Nolasco, Feiona Francis and Nicholas Tiller were all listed on Southern New Hampshire University’s fall 2023 dean’s list.

Southern New Hampshire University included these students on its fall 2023 president’s list: Andres Ramirez, Sydney Provence, Desmond Sensie, Brianna Rudd, Traveon Gaines and Vasilios Agapios

Brooke Miller was named to the fall 2023 dean’s list at Belmont University, in Tennessee.

Mateo Tucker was named to the 2023 fall semester dean’s list at Virginia’s Bridgewater College .

Yoshiko Slater, a student at Emerson College, in Massachusetts, earned a First Team All-Conference honor from the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference.

By JOE MURCHISON

Sure, a lot of us are feeling stressed these days. It’s tough out there. But we’re not the only ones. Think of the trees!

Those of us who own homes with yards and trees may not be aware that our trees can be struggling with the stresses of insufficient water (or too much), compacted soil, lack of nutrients, insects or fungi, or nicks and cuts from mowers and trimmers. It’s tough out there.

To help us learn how to hug our trees more effectively, the West Laurel Civic Association brought in arborist Matthew Derrick on Feb. 15.

Derrick, co-owner of Laurelbased Prestige Tree Experts, gave the following advice in that talk and in a consequent interview.

The best time to plant trees is spring or fall. Avoid planting in compacted soil — a tough order given the dense clay of our region — because the trees’ roots need air and water pockets in the soil. If your yard is mostly compacted, consider replacing some of the soil.

If you plant trees in spring, you’ll need to water them two to three times a week if the summer is especially dry. The same holds true for trees you plant in fall or even winter, including evergreens. Deep, less frequent waterings are better than more frequent shallow ones, because that encourages deep rather than shallow root growth.

Mulch is magic for trees.

A 2- to 4-inch deep circle of softwood or hardwood mulch with a radius of about 7 feet helps hold water in the soil and provides nutrients as the mulch decomposes. The mulch also suppresses grass and other plants that compete for water and nutrients. It also lowers your temptation to mow too close to the tree, which can cause nicks in its trunk or roots — those open cuts can allow pests to damage the tree.

But remember, “Don’t get burned, avoid the volcano.”

Piling mulch into a peak around the trunk of the tree is an open invitation to disease and pests, including small mammals. It can also lead to disease and rot. Keep the mulch low where it’s closest to the trunk — no more than an inch deep.

All trees can profit from fertilizer. It’s their version of multivitamins. You can have your soil tested to measure pH and assess if you need to use a specific fertilizer.

As for pests, there are a host of them: fauna such as spider mites, aphids, tent caterpillars, bagworms and scale, and fungi such as cherry leaf spot, rhizosphaera needle cast, anthracnose, shothole, scabs, rust and shelf fungus. Almost all yards have some of these present; that’s the bad news. The good news is that there are effective chemical treatments for almost all of them.

One of the most visible pests, but ironically one of the least threatening, is the tent caterpillar. You can simply cut

the bags of caterpillars off.

Leaves are an indicator: pay attention to those that have brown or black dots, are covered with a black, sooty mold or show a sticky excretion called honeydew. They may signal the presence of tiny insects or fungal infections. Arborists can fight these by injecting chemicals into the ground around the tree, thereby limiting toxic exposure

to children and pets. Many of these treatments are best done annually, though combatting some pests, such as cherry leaf spot, calls for three treatments during the year.

Arborist services such as these can range from about $100 for a single treatment to $300 or $400 for multiple treatments, Derrick said.

The biggest sign of stress is when a tree’s leaves turn brown or drop off during the active summer growing season. Homeowners should be particularly concerned about leaning trees, especially when the soil begins to crack at the base of the tree. That is

a red alert that the tree may topple.

Even the most coddled, cared-for trees have a natural life span. Oaks, for instance, might last for 80 or 90 years in a yard (as opposed to in a forest, where the nutrients provided by the annual leaf-fall promote longer life spans).

Derrick noted that our region has seen more oaks dying in recent years due to bacterial and fungal diseases such as bacterial leaf scorch and oak wilt. Arborists can counsel you about an oak’s health and advise you about possible treatment to prolong its life.

An ash tree, with the severe die-back of its upper branch due to severe stress. COURTESY OF PRESTIGE TREE EXPERTS

FIRE MARSHAL & PERMI T SERVICES: PERMIT TIPS AND TRICKS OF THE TRADE !

Finally time to ditch the parkas and grab picnic baskets! In preparation for the joy and fun to come during the Spring and Summer months, please keep in mind some house keeping items…

Before you head to your garden and try the latest TikTok gardening hacks, please be sure to cut your grass. Grass in the City of Laurel is deemed excessive when the height of the grass is about 8 inches tall. The only exception is during No Mow April and you MUST sign up for that program to participate or you will get a notice on your door that the grass is too high! Details under Green Living section in this edition.

Permits: We understand the desire to put in a new patio, build a beautiful gazebo or the urge to get a new deck built. However, please be sure to apply for all necessary permits before starting your project. If you have any questions about permits or the permitting process, please visit www.cityoflaurel.org/ fmps or call 301-725-5300 ext. 2238. A member of our Permit Team will be happy to assist you.

Spring Life Safety Tip: Clean your dryer vent! This service should be performed annually. If you have noticed that your washed clothes are coming out of the dryer damp, it may be time to grab the vacuum, gloves, dryer vent kit and get busy. This necessary task will go a long way towards ensuring your family’s safety.

Fire Fatalities Increased in Maryland for 2023. Please do your part and check your smoke detectors, have an escape plan, and practice that plan. Try to practice your escape plan at different times of the day and night. Have a meeting place so when the fire department arrives, you can account for your family members. Remember, when you get out of the fire, NEVER re-enter the burning building/house. Help us decrease the number of fire deaths in 2024!

Also, if you have an attached garage to your home, gas appliances or a wood burning fireplace, you are required to have a carbon monoxide detector on each level of your house!

Tricks of the Trade from the FMPS Team:

Danny Selby, Director: You cannot control disasters, but you can control your response!

After spending 33 years in the fire service and fighting countless fires, Director Selby’s best piece of advice he can give you is that disasters happen all the time

and the best way to prepare is to plan. When creating your safety plan, make sure you are not creating obstacles for yourself. Ensure that you are not blocking your paths of travel with furniture, and all of your windows are functioning properly. Have a “To Go Bag” ready in case of emergency. The unfortunate reality of disasters is that sometimes displacement happens. These safety plans are vital to doing your part and protecting yourself, and your family. These small adjustments go a long way in the event of a disaster.

T'Amani Hamlett, Chief Building Official:

The only dumb question is the one not asked.

“Good, Cheap or Fast? Pick two” is an ongoing dilemma people find themselves dealt with when taking on huge projects. Especially construction! The best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed by each project is taking inventory of the situation and coming to terms with the cost of your decision. Bearing that age old statement that seasoned contractors throw at you begins to rain true. Use your resources available…US! FMPS is always here to help. If the major renovation you are taking on is taking a turn, we’ll let you know. We will not make the decision for you, but we will tell you the truth, even when it doesn’t make you happy. BTW this only applies to the services we provide.

Edwin Monge, Fire Marshal: Smoke Detectors NEED to be checked!

Checking your smoke detector is a simple task that is frequently neglected. This small task can ultimately make the largest difference in the event of a fire. Smoke detectors that are NFPA compliant can cover a radius of 21 feet, and should be located in all bedrooms and in common areas. By checking your smoke detectors and making sure they are installed properly and in the correct locations, you are increasing your chances of survival!

Tracy Dix, Building Inspector:

If you think you need a permit, you probably DO!

Before hiring a contractor, picking out paint colors or putting down a deposit for materials, make sure you verify that your contractor is properly licensed and has pulled the proper permits. Not all projects will require a permit, however, to avoid the unnecessary headache of project delays, do a little research before you get started. I promise you won’t regret it.

Adrian Lacey, Rental Housing Inspector: Inspection and preparedness go a long way!

Prior to calling in an inspection, be sure to check our website and review the checklist for your rental inspection. Our list is detailed and allows both the owner and the tenants the opportunity to see what we are inspecting prior to the inspector arriving. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us.

Brinda Albert, Permit Coordinator: Pulling the permits is easier than you think!

Before you talk to the inspectors, you reach me. I promise I m easy to talk to. Our permitting process is done digitally and every step of the way, you will be given instructions. The hardest part about our process now is remembering

Kriss Phipps, Code Enforcement Specialist: Correction Orders are NOT Citations.

A common misconception is that a correction order is a citation. When you receive a correction order, it is simply that. A chance to correct whatever the violation is without worry.

Mike Thomas, Electrical Inspector: Good Electricians are easy to find. Just ask your neighbor!

Starting a huge project can seem stressful. However, the best way to combat that stress is to ask your friend, neighbor or relative who recently completed a huge project. The best reward for any electrician is your business.

Jocelyn Barrera, Administrative Specialist: Help us help you!

The most effective way for us to be of assistance is to have all your information ready when you call. When scheduling an inspection or meeting with anyone from our staff, be sure to have a way for us to identify what you need from us. Whether that be your permit number, full address, or a full description of work. Having your ducks in a row allows us to provide seamless service.

THE CITY OF LAUREL 2024

CALENDAR NOW AVA ILABLE

Updates on Green Initiatives

Early spring is a time where floral resources are often limited for pollinators, especially in urban and suburban landscapes. The City’s No Mow April initiative allows residents to pause mowing their lawns during the month of April to allow flowering plants to help provide food for pollinators. Environmental Programs and the Environmental Affairs Committee is hosting a No Mow April registration event on March 18, 2024, from 6:30 - 7:30pm at the Joseph R. Robinson Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road. Residents will be able to register and collect their yard sign, as well as learn about the importance of native plants and pollinators. Check the Green Living web page for more information!

Farmers’ Market News!!! Our Farmer’s Market is stepping it up this year and will be weekly! Starting on Thursday, May 2nd, and running through the end of September, residents can enjoy fresh fruits/vegetables from our local farmers and enjoy other vendor’s fare. Last year's favorites will be returning, and new vendors will be added. Music and cooking demonstrations are just a few of the special activities we have planned for our 2024 market season. Updates will be posted to the Green Living web page and social media at the Laurel Quill Lot. Let us know what you would like to see at the market this year!

Recycle Coach! Do you have questions about what goes into your blue cart? Not sure when the next yard debris or special pick up is? Sign up for Recycle Coach! You can type in your question (what do I do with household batteries? When is my collection day?) to get the answer and download our digital calendar right to your phone. Set up reminders about collections, holiday schedules and special pickup days. It is free and easy! Find the app on the City ’s web site at https://www.cityoflaurel.org/green Recycle Coach.

Thank you to Councilwoman Johnson for inviting us into her home to talk about how easy it is to compost and to sign up for the program! The video will be posted to Green Living and is part of our "Composting with Our Council" series. You can get your FREE composting kit delivered to your house. Just e-mail DPW@laurel.md.us – remember to provide your name, address, phone number and e-mail. For more information about the program, contact Michele Blair at mblair@laurel.md.us.

Learn more about going Green on our Green Living web page at https://www.cityoflaurel.org/ green and sign up for “What’s New” to stay up to date on green initiatives.

BOMBEROS Y SERVICIOS DE PERMISOS: ¡QUÉ PERMISOS SE NECESITAN, CUÁNDO!

¡Por fin es hora de deshacerse de las parkas y recoger una canasta de picnic! En preparación para la alegría y la diversión que se avecinan durante los meses de primavera y verano, tenga en cuenta algunos elementos de mantenimiento del hogar...

Permisos: Entendemos el deseo de instalar un nuevo patio, construir una hermosa glorieta o la necesidad de construir una nueva terraza. Sin embargo, asegúrese de solicitar los permisos necesarios para cualquier renovación importante que desee realizar. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre los permisos o el proceso de obtención de permisos, visite www.cityoflaurel.org/fmps o llame al 301725-5300 ext. 2238. Un miembro de nuestro equipo de permisos estará encantado de ayudarle.

LAUREL POLICE MONTHLY CRIME REPORT

JANUARY 2024

List of Laurel Police Crime Reports can be found at www.cityoflaurel.org/police/community -info/crime-reports.

Legislation

Listed below are recent actions taken by the Laurel City Council. 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.

Adopted Legislation:

• Ordinance No. 2021 - To amend the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program for FY July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024; and to provide an effective date.

Bid Recommendations:

• Fleet Acquisition - 2024 M2 Freightliner 25 Yard Rear Loader Refuse Truck - Public Works

• Bid recommendation for Engineering and Design Award for 4th and 5th Street Renovations - Public Works

• Bid Recommendation (Sole Source Purchase) for ongoing replacement of Street Lighting and Conversion to 150W LED Fixtures - Public Works

Appointments/Reappointments:

 Michael Maxwell (Appointment)Environmental Affairs: 2/12/24 - 2/12/26

 Nakia Cheeks (Appointment)Environmental Affairs: 1/12/24 - 2/12/26

 Alvin Upton (Appointment)Juneteenth Committee

 Frederick Carmen (Reappointment)Emergency Services Commission: 2/12/242/12/29

 Marlene Frazier (Reappointment)Historic District Commission: 2/12/242/12/27

 James Cornwell-Shiel (Reappointment)Dir., Information Technology

 Danny Selby (Reappointment) - Dir., Fire Marshal and Permit Services

 Tim Miller (Reappointment) - Director, Public Works

Let’s Talk Town Hall Follow Up

Mayor Keith R. Sydnor is pleased to announce that the City of Laurel’s Let’s Talk Town Hall Report is now available online!

If you were one of the residents in attendance at the January 25th Town Hall, Mayor Sydnor, the Laurel City Council and City staff are most appreciative that you stepped up and expressed your concerns.

Department Heads and City staff gathered the answers to the questions presented by the Community and organized them in the Report that can be found on the City’s web site at www.cityoflaurel.org.

Mayor Sydnor encourages everyone to read the Let’s Talk Town Hall Report. Call his office at 301 -725-5300 ext. 2125 if you have any questions.

March 2024 Mayor and City Council Meetings

COUNCIL O FFICE

301-725-5300 ext. 2121

clerk@laurel.md.us

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

March 2024 Boards and Commissions

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

 March 28th - Board of Appeals ***CANCELLED***

April 2024 Mayor and City Council Meetings

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

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

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

April 2024 Boards and Commissions

 April 9th - Planning Commission (6:00pm)

 April 9th - Environmental Affairs Committee Work Session (6:00pm)

 April 16th - Historic District Commission (6:00pm)

 April 25th - Board of Appeals (6:00pm)

 No Mow April Kickoff Event, March 18, 2024 at 6:30pm at the Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Rd. Come out and register to not mow your lawn in April and create an environment to allow lawn flowers to bloom and feed hungry native bees emerging from hibernation

 Eggstravaganza - March 23, 2024 at 12:00pm SHARP! Granville Gude Park, 8300 Mulberry Street. Free event. Co-sponsored by the Laurel Lions Club.

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

 Patuxent River Cleanup - April 6, 2024 at 10:00am at Riverfront Park, end of Avondale Street. Dress appropriately. *Volunteer Opportunity*

 Ecycle and Paper Shredding Event - April 20, 2024 from 8am - Noon at the Public Works facility, 305-307 1st Street. *MUST be a City resident/business*

 Earth Day Cleanup, April 20, 2024 at 10am at Granville Gude Park Lakehouse, 8300 Mulberry Street. Dress appropriately. *Volunteer Opportunity*

 City of Laurel Volunteer Fair, April 24, 2024 from 6 - 8pm at the Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center.

 Lakefest, May 4, 2024 from 11am - 3pm at Granville Gude Park, 8300 Mulberry Street. Help Parks kick off the summer season!

Visit the City of Laurel web site at www.cityoflaurel.org, to learn more about your local government!

3

C ommunit y Resourc es and Emergency M anagement: Flooding S afet y Awareness

Spring showers may bring lots of flowers, but it can also bring heavy rains and the possibility of floods!

Floods can result from rain, snow melt, coastal storms, and overflown rivers, and disrupt and/or damage infrastructures causing power outages, impassable roads, and rendering buildings uninhabitable. These dangerous conditions can quickly lead to death if you are not prepared for a potential flood. Take action to prepare you and your loved ones against potential flood risks. Use the following tips to be better prepared:

• Research what types of floods you may be vulnerable to, ie: river floods, flash floods, storm surge

• Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home) and research if your home is currently in a floodplain.

• Reach out to your local Emergency Management Office for advice and additional safety information.

• Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate! Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.

• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don ’t Drown!

Keep you and your family safe during severe weather! Learn more about flood safety and visit https://www.ready.gov/ floods.

Local sculptor honors father’s memory

By KATIE V. JONES

Local sculptor Tiffany Carmouché, who works primarily in bronze, clay and plaster, creates her art in studios around the country, providing she has ample room and the right tools handy. But her ideas first take shape at her dining room table in Laurel, including her current piece, a figure of a man sitting on a bench with an open book.

While all her works are special to her, this piece is especially meaningful: It represents her father, Larry Callen, a children’s book author.

“He evoked kindness,” Carmouché said, of her father. “He mentored other authors and evoked creativity within youths and peers.”

Author of such books as “Pinch,” “The Just-Right Family (Cabbage Patch Kids)” and “The Deadly Mandrake,” among others, Callen died in 2008, at the age of 80.

Carmouché received a $50,000 grant from the Maryland Arts Council to create a life-sized bronze sculpture of Callen. Once completed, the piece will be dis-

played at Sandy Spring Museum, in Sandy Spring.

“This is my first life-size,” Carmouché said. “I’ve worked with others, but this is the first one that’s all mine.”

Carmouché was surrounded by

art as she grew up, as her mother was an artist and her father an author. She was inspired to explore sculpting after a trip to Italy, and she took her first class at Montpelier Arts Center. Her early pieces were life-sized faces of

the people she met while volunteering at a winter shelter; these pieces are now part of her series, “Our Stories.”

“Art has a way of healing,” she said. “I have overcome a lot of trauma and hard times — homelessness is just a chapter in their life.”

To fine tune her skills, Carmouché studied with women sculptors in Italy and Texas. She plans to create the life-sized figure of Callen in fellow sculptors’ studios in Texas and Colorado.

“[The sculpture] will travel in the back of a pickup,” Carmouché said. “The dream is to have my own studio.”

As she works, Carmouché will host live zoom calls for students through a Tour de Force microgrant. Tour de Force supports artists in the DMV with shortterm grants ranging from $500 to $2,000.

“People can ask questions about who I am and the process,” Carmouché said. Through her virtual sessions, students will see how the work on the sculpture progresses and learn ways to spread random acts of kindness

in Callen’s honor.

“It’s amazing working with kids and their energy,” Carmouché said. “The youth inspire.”

While the grant from the Maryland Arts Council does not cover all her expenses, Carmouché is pleased the organization believed in her vision and work. She is hoping to find a sponsor to fund the bench the figure sits on.

“Sitting figures are so much harder than standing,” she said. “There is so much math.”

She looked at various sites to place the work, including the Laurel Branch Library.

“My dad lived in the library,” Carmouché said. “Back in the day, we didn’t have Google. He was always in the library.”

Carmouché approached Sandy Spring Museum because of its open space and accessibility.

“She came to us with the idea and we talked more,” Sara Caporaletti, exhibit coordinator at the museum, said. “A lot of people pass by, see the art and stop. It will inspire creativity and wonder for everyone who sees the piece.”

The work is scheduled to be installed at the museum in the fall.

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Tiffany Carmouché poses with the clay model of her future life-size sculpture of her father, children’s author Larry Callen. KATIE V. JONES

NATIVE GARDENING WITH JIMMY

Thinning, splitting and transplanting natives

By JIMMY ROGERS

This time of year, gardeners of all stripes open their calendars and almanacs to figure when to sow seed, when to cut stems and when to plant tender plants. If you have native plants entering their second spring, there’s another activity to consider: thinning.

Traditional American gardens position plants at least a foot apart, so that they will only touch when they reach their mature size. In functional native gardens, designers favor denser plantings to crowd out weeds and increase diversity. As these designs mature, some plants will begin to spread more than others. Most of the time this is OK. For instance, you may want to see black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia hirta) fill out along the sidewalk, both wowing passers-by in the summer and suppressing winter weeds with their basal florets. However, an overzealous wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) spreading into that same bed might intimidate pedestrians with its 5-foot-tall stalks.

Thinning enables beautiful gardens to remain gardens instead of gradually morphing back into natural landscapes. Those landscapes are also beautiful, but plants growing beyond convenient borders or crowding out other plants can prove inconvenient or unaesthetic to the humans who share close quarters with them. Additional-

ly, regular thinning will give you an opportunity to open a plant library for friends and neighbors to take some of your most vigorous plants back home to their own gardens.

First, let us first define some terms. Native gardeners often use the word thinning to mean a reduction in density of either individual plants or the density of the garden as a whole. When a plant has grown more densely than is practical, gardeners split or divide these plants and move them somewhere else, which is called transplanting. When new plants start coming up from a mother plant, either by seed or from runners, these are called volunteers, and they too can be transplanted. Here in the MidAtlantic, our climate allows for native transplanting during most of the year, even in the winter. You need only refrain from transplanting when the ground is frozen.

Human interest drives all of this thinning, splitting and transplanting; the plants don’t need us to move or divide them. Always consider the wait and see option, as your garden may reorganize itself in ways you will appreciate. However, when we put plants into garden beds, we are creating an artificial situation and need to step in occasionally to ensure they meet our needs.

TRANSPLANTING

When you find a volunteer popping up in an inconvenient place, first choose a new home

for your bonus plant. Consider these options:

- Fill in any bare soil or empty spots with lower-growing plants.

- Partner plants that bloom early with plants that bloom late.

- Position lower-growing plants along pathways and next to lategrowing tall plants.

- Arrange a bed with different flower shapes and colors.

To remove the plant, grab a small shovel or trowel and imagine a circle surrounding the plant’s leaves. Double the width of that circle and place the tip of your shovel anywhere along the edge. With the blade pointing straight down, cut into the soil. This technique will avoid slicing as many roots as possible.

Once you have made your first cut, lean back and lever the dirt up a little bit. If the soil is rich and very wet, the plant may come right out. If the soil won’t yet release the plant with a gentle tug, remove your shovel and place it 90 degrees around the circle from your first cut (15 minutes on a clock). Make another vertical slice and lean back again. See how far you can lift the soil. I often find that young plants will come out after the second cut. If the soil detaches from the ground, then you have completed the first step. If not, keep working your way around the circle until you’ve fully excavated the plant. Leave some soil attached to the plant, as it has already established a web of tiny roots that

take up water and nutrients. However, if you consistently remove a lot of soil when you uproot volunteers, you’ll end up with a lot of holes in your garden. Most of the soil won’t yet be full of roots, so you can crumble or even smack the soil back into the hole. Press the remaining soil back in or fill the hole in with another plant that would go better in that spot.

Your uprooted volunteer can now be planted again, ideally that same day. For very small plants, first try what I call the crevice method. Make a first vertical cut and wedge open the soil just enough to slip in all the roots, then reseal the crevice, putting good pressure on the roots. If you need more space, excavate more soil the same way you did for uprooting and plant into the hole. With either method, you’ll want the plant to be exactly as deep in the soil as it was before transplanting. Some plants have an obvious color difference between the top of the roots and the bottom of the stem. Others are either harder to tell, so take note before uprooting. Make sure all of the roots end up packed in soil and press down firmly with your hands to either side of the plant.

Transplanting will leave air pockets in the ground, so the last step is to water in your volunteer. Watering for a count of 10 seconds will flood those air pockets, hydrate the plant and settle the soil around the roots.

SPLITTING

If a plant is mature, consider splitting it. Some plants are organized into lots of little plants (sometimes called offsets or pups) that are loosely connected. After uprooting, force them apart by hand with gentle pressure at the underground connection points. These can now each be planted singly or be grouped together for a fuller look.

If a plant doesn’t form obvious offsets, then it will need to be divided more forcefully. After uprooting a plant, always check if it can be ripped in half, ideally keeping clean vertical sections of the plant intact (stem connected to roots). For a large or tough plant, make a clean strike with a shovel along the vertical plane. After being planted, the divided portions will grow back into a more uniform shape.

A mature garden generates a mountain of volunteers and potential divisions, so offer up free plants to your community. Neighbors and friends are more likely to start a native garden if they receive some starter plants. Plus, every time you see your plants in another’s garden, you will be reminded of your unique connection.

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

Each year the pollinator garden in Laurel’s Sweitzer Park can be thinned. COURTESY OF JIMMY ROGERS

SCIENCE OF THE CITY

Chris, the underground boring machine that dug the NEBT

By PAUL RUFFINS

Most Prince George’s County residents don’t realize that they’ve recently become the beneficiaries of a huge, five-year, $580 milliondollar environmental upgrade that will keep 90 million gallons of raw sewage and stormwater out of the Anacostia River, Washington Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. The new Northeast Boundary Water Tunnel (NEBT), in operation last fall, is part of a massive $2.7 billion Clean Rivers Project that will benefit the entire region. But why did most people in the District and the bordering suburbs miss seeing or hearing a giant construction project five miles long and 23 feet wide? That’s because the entire project is hidden 90 to 180 feet underground.

The NEBT was dug using a 25ton, hydraulically powered underground boring machine with a rotating cutter face that is 23 feet in diameter. The tunnel runs 26,700 feet, from just south of Robert F. Kennedy Stadium to the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and 6th Street NW. The machine started in September 2018 and slowly and steadily chewed its way across the city at a rate of about 28 feet a day. The resulting circular hole was lined with 31,000 sections of waterproof reinforced concrete.

According to John Lisle, DC Water’s vice president for marketing and communication, “The completion of the NEBT and the entire Anacostia River Tunnel System is delivering on one of the major commitments of the 2005 consent decree signed with the District, EPA, and the Justice Department. The combined sewer system (CSS) that serves about a third of the District dates back to the late 1800s and the tunnel system will reduce combined sewer overflows to the Anacostia by 98% in an average year.”

The CleanRivers Project, arising out of that consent decree, has several major components. These include the NEBT and the 2.4mile Anacostia River Tunnel, which was completed in 2016 and connects the NEBT to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. There will also be the 5.8 mile, $819 million Potomac River Water Tunnel, scheduled to be completed in 2030, which will capture the

The Northeast Boundary Water Tunnel was dug using a 25-ton, hydraulically powered underground boring machine with a rotating cutter face that is 23 feet in diameter. The tunnel runs 26,700 feet, from just south of Robert F. Kennedy Stadium to the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and 6th Street NW.

sewer overflows polluting the Potomac and Rock Creek on the west side of the District.

Like the NEBT, the Potomac River Tunnel will function as a giant underground storage tank, holding millions of gallons of sewage and stormwater and sending it to Blue Plains rather than into the Potomac or Rock Creek. The NEBT will also help reduce local flooding due to undersized storm drains in Northeast D.C.

The region’s water pollution problem is over 200 years old. Around 1810, the swampy District of Columbia began to build culverts and ditches that drained into the nearest waterway. Because of its huge expansion during the Civil War and the increasing popularity of piped-in water for indoor plumbing, the city began constructing a combined sewer system that carried both untreated sewage and stormwater into approximately 19 outfalls along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers.

In 1890, a presidential commis-

sion linked the combined sewer system to a single outfall point at Blue Plains, the southernmost spot in the District, where the tides wouldn’t carry the waste back upstream. There was no water treatment facility, but at least all new sewers built as the District expanded would have separate pipes to send sewage to Blue Plains and only divert stormwater into the rivers. These are known as municipal separate storm sewer systems, or MS4s, and are now standard.

However, between 1890 and 1910, the rapid development of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, both north of the District, created new problems. Towns such as College Park and Hyattsville built water systems for indoor plumbing and fire hydrants but also developed sanitary sewer systems that simply dumped untreated waste into the Potomac and Anacostia rivers and Rock Creek, which all flow south.

When the District threatened

to sue Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, the resulting agreement created the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) in 1918. WSSC took over all the local systems and piped most of their sewage to the outfall at Blue Plains, in Southwest D.C., where an actual water treatment plant was built in 1937. (WSSC also operates several smaller treatment plants.)

Today, DC Water’s Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of the largest and most advanced water treatment facilities in the world, but it still can’t solve the area’s water problems by itself. Heavy rains often overwhelm the District’s old combined system, leading to raw sewage spills in both rivers. However, partly because the Anacostia is much slowermoving than the Potomac, it remains more polluted. In 1971, fecal bacteria levels were so high that the District made it illegal to swim in the Anacostia. Few residents of Mount Rainier or Bladensburg risk swimming in the river, either. The river is tidal and rises and falls about three

feet at the Bladensburg Marina, which means that sewage could possibly flow about 1,000 feet upstream. The Anacostia’s pollution problems also threaten the Chesapeake Bay.

Maureen Mitchell, water quality project manager for Anacostia Riverkeeper, explained that the District’s combined sewer outflows aren’t the only problem. She wrote, “The MS4S of D.C. and the upper watershed in Montgomery and Prince George’s [counties] lead to continuous challenges from point and nonpoint pollution from roadways (fuel/oil, byproducts from tires), lawns (excess nutrients from overfertilization and other treatments), construction projects (sedimentation and illicit dumping) and more.”

Nevertheless, the successful completion of the NEBT will eliminate 98% of the flow of fecal bacteria into the Anacostia, according to DC Water. It also means that much of the stormwater from Northeast D.C. will now be purified at Blue Plains rather than flowing untreated into Fort Washington, Washington Harbor and other Prince George’s County communities downstream.

Paul Ruffins is a citizen scientist and professor of curiosity.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

EVENTS

“NOISES OFF”: Laurel Mill Playhouse presents a play that takes a look at the follies of theater folk, whose egos, memory loss and passionate affairs turn every performance into a high-risk adventure. March 14-17 and 22-24. Various times. $20. 508 Main St. For more information, call 301.617.9906

Open House at Dinosaur Park

Come search for fossils on March 16 and April 6, noon to 4 p.m. 13200 Mid Atlantic Blvd. For more information, call 301.627.1286 or go to dinosaurpark@ pgparks.com

AARP Tax Assistance. Free tax preparation services through April 10 for people ages 50 and older or who cannot afford to pay for services. By appointment only. Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St. For more information, call 240.473.2955

Fish Fry Fridays. Knights of Columbus’ fish fry dinners for dine-in or takeout. March 15 and 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Keesler Center, 800 Main St. For more information, email patuxent. concessions@gmail.com

Saturday Morning Breakfast

Extravaganza. Hosted by the Potomac Curling Club, participants learn the basics of curling, have breakfast and then play a game. March 16 and 30, April 6 and 13 at 7:50 a.m. Registration

required. Gardens Ice House, 13800 Old Gunpowder Lane. 301.362.1116

Healthy Lifestyles Expo. Health and wellness professionals, fitness coaches and community organizations offer information and connections to community resources to help attendees reach their health and wellness goals. March 16, 11 a.m., March 17, 4 p.m. Double Tree by Hilton, 15101 Sweitzer Lane.

Laurel Cats Fundraiser. Enjoy a meal at Olive on Main with a portion of your check donated to the nonprofit. March 18 and 19 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 504 Main St. laurelcats.org

Eggstravaganza. Children 12 and younger can take part in age-grouped egg hunts and meet the Easter Bunny. Arrive before noon, as the hunt lasts for as long as the eggs are on the ground. Free parking on Mulberry Street. Bring a basket, bag or bucket. March 23, noon to 12:15 p.m. Granville Gude Park and Lakehouse, 8300 Mulberry St. 301.725.7800

LAUREL MUSEUM

817 Main Street 301.725.7975

Visions and Voices 1920-1923: The African American Voting Experience in Laurel. Temporary exhibit celebrating the 2023 election of Keith Sydnor, Laurel’s first African American mayor, as well as perspectives of other African Americans who ran for office. Through June 16.

It’s All Laurel. An exhibit that looks at the different neighbor-

By Agnes Pasco Conaty

“If the small town counts squirrel votes, the folks may consider Main Street the ‘main street’.”

hoods and communities within and outside Laurel city limits. Through August.

MONTPELIER HOUSE

MUSEUM 9650 Muirkirk Road 301.377.7817

Free Self-guided Tours. In celebration of Black History Month, free tours Thursdays through Mondays throughout March.

Uhuru Quilters Guild Exhibit Quilts featuring themes of Black history stitched by members of the guild. Through March 31.

Women’s History Month Tea

Enjoy a fixed-price menu of finger sandwiches, cakes and pastries, buttery scones and your choice of two quality loose-leaf teas, all served on china and tiered stands. March 16 at 1 pm.

MONTPELIER ARTS

CENTER 9652 Muirkirk Road, 301.377.7800

Black History Month Exhibition. Celebrate Black History Month with works by regional artists highlighting the lives, stories and experiences of African Americans.

Patricia Phillips Bowden. An exhibit on paper and canvas paying homage to Bowden’s Asian heritage.

LAUREL BRANCH

LIBRARY 507 7th St., 301.776.6790

Kids Create: Sally Ride. Have fun exploring, crafting and creating with hands-on experiments

MEATOUT

FROM PAGE 1

tion, commented on the positive impact a plant-based diet can have on people.

“We have heart disease problems, stroke, diabetes and obesity issues,” he said. “And eating a more plantbased diet positively affects all those types of conditions.”

This year marks the county’s first official celebration of MeatOut Day, which is a national initiative of the Farm Animal Rights Movement. The organization launched the event in 1985, and individuals and communities throughout the country participate. The event carries the hashtag #MeatOut.

Dernoga hopes people will

and activities. Supplies are provided. March 18, 4 to 5 p.m.

Movie Matinee: “Barbie.” Bring snacks and enjoy Barbie and Ken’s adventures. March 25, 4 to 6 p.m.

National Museum of Asian Art’s Cherry Blossoms Exhibit Presentation. The revered sakura, or cherry blossom, has been celebrated by Japanese artists for centuries. Embrace hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of flower viewing, by exploring cherry blossom artwork from the Japanese collections of the National Museum of Asian Art during this lecture. March 27, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Ignite: STEAM Exploration for Young Innovators. Through interactive experiences, girls and gender-expansive youth in grades three through eight explore STEAM concepts designed to foster innovation and discovery. April 13, 11 a.m. to 12:30 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

North Tract, 230 Bald Eagle Drive

North Tract Reopening. The North Tract reopens March 14 and welcomes visitors from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. On the third Thursday of each month, evening hours are from 4 p.m. till sunset.

mark the event by thinking about how their food choices impact not only their own health but the health and well-being of their communities and the environment, as well.

“No one’s asking folks to just give up meat tomorrow,” he said. “But think about how it’s healthier for you and the environment, and nicer to animals to eat more fruits and vegetables. If you don’t care about all that other stuff, you should care about your health.”

Many restaurants are already on board with the initiative, including Laurel’s Love Life Coffee, which is offering 10% off everything on the menu for those using the code word MeatOut, according to café manager Adia Cotten.

Bird Language Program. Ranger-led introduction to bird language March 14, 10 to 11 a.m.

Photo-adventure Scavenger Hunt. Go on a scavenger hunt and learn about the refuge’s history and features. March 16 and 30, April 6, from 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. March 16, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Spring Bird Sounds-Story, Hike and Campfire. Play games, hear a story and go on a rangerled hike. End by the campfire roasting marshmallows. March 24, 2 p.m.

Untold Stories of the North Tract. Learn about the history of these former military lands and ongoing management challenges. April 6, 1 p.m.

South Tract, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop

Birds in Spring. Learn about the arrival of spring and all the birds that it brings. The Kid’s Discovery Center, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. and noon.

Hollingsworth Art Gallery. March’s exhibit features photographs of nature and animals by Crofton ‘s Rick Dove.

Family Fun: Habitats & Adaptations. Learn about different habitats at Patuxent Refuge and around the world, and how ani-

“We are participating to show people different alternatives for meat-free,” she said. “It is so important to let people see what options can be.”

Olive on Main, in Laurel, is also offering 10 % off its vegan and vegetarian options, Ashley Hur, general manager, said.

“We just want to contribute to the community,” Hur said. Other establishments participating in the event include NuVegan Café, in College Park, and the New Deal Café and Greenbelt Co-op Supermarket, both in nearby Greenbelt. Dernoga added that businesses interested in participating should email him at tomdernoga@ gmail.com for more information and to sign up.

LAUREL SQUIRREL

CALENDAR

mals have adapted to survive in even the harshest environments. Explore self-paced interactive games, crafts and activities.

March 15 and 16, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Raptors Rock at South Tract Come meet an American kestrel at this informal show-and-tell. March 16, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

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. 6 to 9 p.m.

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

5 to 7:30 p.m. $10

Zumba with Susana Miller. Saturdays at 8:45 a.m.

Assuage Yoga in the Library Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Gottaswing Beginning and Intermediate Lessons. Wednesdays at 7:45 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. and 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 Road. 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 fourth. 5:30 to 8 p.m. 2 Main St. 301.725.2302

The Laurel Board of Trade Monthly Networking. Happy Hour at Chez Yiamme’s Catering and Functions, 347 Main St., March 21, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Go to laurelboardoftrade.org, email laurelboardoftrade383@gmail. com or call 301.483.0838

Laurel Senior Friendship Club Meets the second Wednesday of each month; program includes a business meeting, along with 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 Interna-

tional affiliate, the club teaches public speaking and leadership skills. March 11 and 25, 7 p.m.

St. Philips Episcopal Church, 522 Main St. toastmastersclubs.org

MBC Toastmasters Club. Learn communication skills in a supportive environment. Virtual meetings on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 7:15 p.m. Go to mbctoastmasters@metropolitan baptist.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 March 17 from 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

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 Lane, Suite 12. For times, call 301.605.3756