05-2024 The Laurel Independent

Growing pizza in College Park, P.3

Festivals celebrate businesses and bees, P.5

Laurel Park to host the Preakness in 2025, 2026, P.11

County schools grapple with lead in water

By SAM GAUNTT

As many as 150 of Prince George’s County’s 209 public schools have lead in at least some water faucets, pipes and hoses, according to school

district officials.

The amount of lead varies among schools, according to Samuel Stefanelli, the school district’s director of building services, with some schools having only one or a few af-

A RAINBOW ON A RAINY DAY

fected fixtures, like water fountains and faucets. Other schools are more seriously affected, with many contaminated fixtures.

“First and foremost, we’re making sure the kids are safe,” Stefanelli told Streetcar Suburbs. “That’s the No. 1 priority of ours, before we fix anything, before we do anything, is to test [the water] and make sure that it’s safe, but if it’s not safe, shut it off

Farmers Market opens for the season

By KATIE V. JONES

The Laurel Farmer’s Market opened for the season on May 3 with its collection of fresh produce, food vendors and unique items — and one big change. It’s going weekly!

“We knew the residents definitely wanted to have it every week,” Michelle Blair, environmental program manager for the city, said. A survey of the vendors showed they did, too.

Now the market will be bustling from 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through

Sept. 26, with the exception of July 4, at the Laurel Quill Lot at 378 Main Street.

“It is definitely going to be a lot more work,” Blair said, with a laugh, though she is excited about new events planned for the market.

and provide another means.” Stefanelli added that the district supplies bottled drinking water in schools that are seriously affected by lead. The school district has

With expertise from history to humanities, Lindsey Baker is a woman to watch

By HAYDEN SMITH

Laurel resident Lindsey Baker has worn many hats over the years. On May 18, she will add the hat of an entrepreneur when The Village Center opens in Columbia. Designed with facilities accommodating both children and adults, the center will be a place for families to experience both fun and wellness.

With massages, facials, energy healings and other relaxing offerings for adults, The Village Center will also have a supervised play area where parents can leave their children in a safe and comfortable environment.

“I wanted to open The Village Center to create a place of support, community, and care for families in the area,” Baker wrote in an email.

Her passion for and love of community engagement and service started when she was an undergraduate at Goucher College. During a conversation with her mentor, Jennifer Bess, who is an associate professor at Goucher, Baker realized that she could make a difference.

“She said to me, something along the

Rain couldn’t stop the fun at Lakefest on May 4. Celebrating the start of boating season at Granville Gude Park, there was a moon bounce, music, games and food.

OF AIESHA SOLOMON

New monthly cooking demos will feature the market vendors’ “healthy, tasty, inexpensive food,” Blair said, in a variety of menus ranging from appetizers and salads to light summer meals and sweet desserts. A local author is slated to give a reading, and Blair is hoping that Bead Soup, a local vendor, will do a craft workshop.

“We wanted to do something fun, different, when we don’t have music,” Blair said. “Kick back, have food and learn something.”

Live entertainment by local artists every other week continues this year, thanks in part to funding from the Laurel Arts Council, Blair said. Laurel musicians Mike Walls and Bobby Walters played guitar and sang on opening day.

Tiffany Ogunwuyi, owner of Coco&Soy Candle Company, is a regular vendor at markets in Annapolis and Crofton. She was excited to be back in her home town on opening day.

“I love the local support,” Ogunwuyi said. “The people want the market to be here.” Miranda Everett was glad to

make the market’s opening.

“We came last year,” Everett, who was shopping with her daughter, said. “I’m glad to

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

We would like to correct the headline of the article written about the Laurel Department of Public Works bargaining process: City and union reach an agreement.

The headline is factually inaccurate. When the city refused to bargain further with the union on its financial demands, it initiated what’s called an impasse. By declaring impasse in February, the city claimed that an agreement on financial matters was not possible, and they refused to consider the union’s

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

offers. The contract was then sent to the council, and on April 1, the council mandated that DPW workers fully accept the city’s proposals on wages and benefits. The city and the mayor have not signed the tentative agreement, and the agreement still needs to be sent to the council for a hearing. When that process concludes, there will be a contract, but it was not reached by agreement.

John Barry MCGEO Senior Representative

Managing Editor

Katie V. Jones

Katie@streetcarsuburbs.news

Associate Editor Nancy Welch

Nancy@streetcarsuburbs.news

Columnists

Agnes Pasco Conaty, Jimmy Rogers

Writers & Contributors

Joshua Able, Agnes Pasco Conaty, Sam Gauntt, Katie V. Jones, Hayden Smith, Aiesha Solomon

Layout & Design Editors

Ashley Perks, Valerie Morris

Web Editor Jessica Burshtynskyy

Advertising Sales Manager

Amanda Berard

advertising@streetcarsuburbs.news

240.408.0722

see more vendors.”

Though temperatures hovered in the 90s on opening day, a steady stream of people walked through the market, buying produce, enjoying the music and taking in the scene.

“We get people coming home from work,” Blair said. “There is ready-made food and fresh veggies and fruit, lemonade and a new baker. We want people to come and sit and shop at the vendors.”

The market accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Electronic Benefit Transfer.

Ashley Hamilton was a firsttime shopper at the market.

“I like walking on Main Street and around Laurel,” she said “You find little gems.”

Business 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, Sharon O’Malley, Kit Slack

Circulation:

New monthly cooking demos will feature the market vendors’ “healthy, tasty, inexpensive food,” said Michelle Blair, environmental program manager for the city.

Miranda and Raiven Everett shop for candles at Coco&Soy Candle Company with owner Tiffany Ogunwuyi. KATIE V. JONES

Sarah Markley, of Zahradka Family Farm, helps a customer at the Laurel Farmer’s Market. KATIE V. JONES

Planting a pizza garden

By KATIE V. JONES

Who doesn’t like pizza?

On April 10, Sean Phelan, second vice commander of American Legion Squadron 217, led seven kids, ranging in age from 5 to 15, in a culinary adventure. Working as a team at College Park’s American Legion Post 217, they created an enormous pizza — though they will have to wait until June, maybe even July, to eat it.

As members of the post’s youth garden program, the group planted a pizza garden: a 6-footdiameter circular garden featuring slice-shaped plots filled with different toppings, including peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and basil. The young gardeners also planted beds with salad fixings: lettuce, broccoli, corn, carrots, cucumbers and watermelon.

“This is my first youth garden,” Phelan said. He originally proposed a vegetable garden after planting a successful flower garden at the post last year. Joe Loham, detachment commander

of Maryland, encouraged him to involve the kids..

“I was talking with Joe about volunteers, and he said ‘Get youth to help with the garden,’” Phelan explained. “He was really excited. He helped me fine-tune the idea and [helped] with the paperwork.”

Loham, a member of American Legion Laurel Post 60, chairs the Sons of the American Legion Commission’s Children and Youth Committee. The committee’s work is integral to the third of four pillars on which the American Legion was founded. The four pillars are Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, Americanism, Children & Youth, and National Security.

“How do you get kids more involved at the community level?”

Loham asked. “You pick a project you think works years down the road. Talking with Sean, growing a pizza garden is a way to get kids outside and aware.”

Loham and Phelan drew up a plan, and Loham presented it to the Sons of The American

Legion National Advisory Committee at the organization’s headquarters in Indianapolis in October 2023.

“They accepted it, and I have been promoting the heck out of it ever since,” Loham said. “We’ve been doing fundraisers and [securing] grants to deal with supplies.”

The pizza garden’s beds were paid for through a $2,580 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Veteran Engagement Mini Grant Program. That funding also supplied fencing to keep out animals.

The post actively recruited kids to participate in the free program. The team meets monthly to tend the garden, though, as Phelan noted, they are encouraged to weed and water there more frequently. For its June meeting, the team is going on a field trip to the National Arboretum in the District.

“This youth garden program is geared toward kids’ curiosity and the outside,” Phelan said. “One of the kids was surprised there were edible flowers.”

Both Loham and Phelan said they would like to see the program grow.

“We’re hoping this concept expands to other posts, not just in Maryland, but everywhere,” Phelan said. “Everyone is optimistic. Members at the legion liked seeing the kids around and playing in the dirt.”

“We’ve learned a lot and not only how to grow stuff,” Loham said. “It’s a pilot program. Sean’s done a wonderful job working on it.” Loham underscored Phelan’s dedication with a story.

“There was one scare of a freeze

one evening, and he ran to cover the plants up,” Loham said, laughing. “We need the kids to come back and not find everything dead.”

While Pelham said that planting the garden in April might have been a bit risky, given how unpredictable spring weather can be, he hopes the team can start to harvest the garden’s produce soon.

“We’re all having fun,” Phelan said. “I’m looking forward to the next time me and the kids get together and get our hands in the dirt.”

Sean Phelan stands in the center of the youth garden he helped create at American Legion Post 217 in College Park. KATIE V. JONES

lines of like, not everyone’s going to go out and be on the streets, marching and doing things for the cause, but every person has the ability to take the work that they do and make the world a better place,” Baker said, in an interview. “That was really pivotal for me.”

Baker earned her bachelor’s in history from Goucher and, in

2008, a master’s in history and museum studies from the University of Delaware. That same year, she joined the Laurel Historical Society (LHS) as executive director.

“While she didn’t have a lot of experience as an executive director, she quickly grew into the job and did wonderful things for us,” Karen Lubieniecki, a former colleague of Baker’s and current chairwoman of the LHS board of directors, said.

Baker’s experience with LHS heightened her understanding of factors that allow a community to thrive. Whether she was busy planning exhibits or events, Baker was always focused on the best possible outcomes for everybody, she said.

Marriam Thakkar, who currently serves on the historical society’s board, saw Baker as generous and caring.

“She’s a person who has a great heart and a big heart to give

back constantly to the people she works with and the community she’s a part of,” Thakkar said.

In 2018, Baker became executive director of Ellicott City’s Patapsco Heritage Greenway, a role she held for two years before becoming CEO of Maryland Humanities in August 2020. The nonprofit was founded to celebrate the state’s heritage and culture through public programs designed to foster connection and support healthy growth in communities throughout the state.

“She’s a very unique person and offers an immense amount to everyone she interacts with,” Thakkar said.

Baker has received recognition and awards over time, including for accomplishments she credits not to herself but to teamwork with her colleagues.

Courtesy of Lindsey Baker

She was recently included in The Daily Record’s “Top 100 Women in Maryland for 2024.”

“This one I was actually really excited about, because the criteria was around community engagement, leadership and mentorship,” she said. “And those are the three things that I care deeply about.”

Multi-Family Yard Sale

Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18, 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

7304 Summerwind Circle, Laurel (off Old Sandy Spring Rd)

Shop Jewelry, Linens, Housewares, Quality Clothes, Renovation Tools, and so much more. 301-725-0759.

A day for businesses and bees

By HAYDEN SMITH

Laurel is going to be busy on May 11 as two festivals — one a beloved tradition and one brand new — are scheduled to take place. With the right planning, here’s hoping you can enjoy both.

WILD BEE & FLOWER FESTIVAL

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Friends of Patuxent are teaming up to host the inaugural Wild Bee & Flower Festival, a free event that aims to educate the public about the critical role native bees play in the ecosystem.

“There’s a lot to learn about our native ecosystem here, and I just encourage people to kind of be astounded and to come and discover,” said Liz Humes, a board member and volunteer with Friends of Patuxent.

“There’s always more things to learn about native plants.”

The festival will include exhibits and an array of activities, including some led by USGS scientists and representatives from the University of Maryland.

Sam Droege, a wildlife bi-

ologist with the USGS Eastern Ecological Science Center, will lead a guided bee walk, while university faculty and staff will host native plant giveaways and talk about incorporating native plants in traditional landscaping. Additional native plants will be available for purchase, and the festival will feature a book and nature shop, as well.

Food vendors will be onsite throughout the day.

Visitors can learn about ongoing conservation efforts at the refuge and explore volunteer opportunities with the Friends of Patuxent.

“We have a lot of experts and a lot of opportunities to learn, play and connect with nature,” Humes said.

Wild Bee & Flower Festival takes place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop.

MAIN STREET FESTIVAL

The Laurel Board of Trade is gearing up for its 43rd annual Main Street Festival. Offering a mix of new attractions and returning favorites, the festival

celebrates the best of the community’s local businesses.

Jim Cross, director of The Laurel Board of Trade, emphasized the value of the many businesses and organizations that call Laurel’s Main Street home. Local businesses will have booths where visitors can explore their offerings and discover hidden gems.

“It’s really good for the Main Street merchants to get people to look at them and see who they are,” Cross said. “It’s a really good thing.”

The Laurel Mill Playhouse has participated in the festival since purchasing its building on Main Street in 2001. The playhouse directly benefits from participating in the festival.

“Every year, even to this point, we’ve experienced people who say, ‘Well I didn’t know this was here, and I’ve lived in Laurel for many years’,” Marvin Rogers, the theater’s president, said. “It’s been an extremely beneficial activity for us as a theater.”

This year, the playhouse plans to stick with its successful formula of keeping the doors open and welcoming visitors in to explore the theater.

“We look forward to the new vendors as well as some old friends that we’ve known for

SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 10 AM - 2 PM TOUR BEGINS AT 817 MAIN STREET IN LAUREL

years,” Rogers said. “It’s a community event for sure.”

Main Street will be closed between Route 1 South and 7th Street during the festival. Cross said there will also be a heavy police and fire presence at the festival to ensure attendees’ safety.

The Main Street Festival Parade kicks off at 9 a.m. Three stages will feature live music, performances, poetry readings

and artwork displays. There will also be arts and crafts activities for children.

“There’s just an incredible amount of stuff going on here. The parade, the vendors, all the bands, I mean, it’s just a fantastic day,” Cross said.

The Main Street Festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 11.

A GOOD DAY FOR TEA

Gray skies and bouts of rain didn’t keep the crowds away from the Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea & the Arts on April 27.

“It went really well,” said Holly Burnham, education manager at Montpelier House Museum.

The Laurel Historical Society is proud to bring you a revival of our historic Laurel Garden Tour! Enjoy early summer gardens filled with native plants in private residences throughout Laurel.

“We had many, many visitors despite the rain.”

About 1,500 people typically attend the free event. As of press time, Burnham had not received the final estimated count, but she noted that all of the picnic tea boxes sold out.

“Everybody seemed to have a good time,” she said.

Scan for more information or to purchase tickets.

KATIE V. JONES

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Please send notices of events taking place between June 5 and July 4 to nancy@streetcarsuburbs. news by May 28.

MAY 10

Family Fun: Habitats and Adaptations. Self-paced interactive games, crafts and activities for all ages explore different habitats and how animals have adapted to survive in even the harshest environments. Free. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Patuxent National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, 301.497.5772

MAY 10-12 & 17-19

“Avenue Q” at the Laurel Mill Playhouse. Winner of the Tony Triple Crown for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book, “Avenue Q” rocks out with humor, puppets and an award-winning score. 508 Main St. For more information, call 301.617.9906 or go to tinyurl.com/4xrk8d6e

MAY 11

Wild Bee and Flower Festival at Patuxent Refuge. Learn about bees and native plants, go on a nature walk and plant native seeds to take home. Free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Patuxent National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop, 301.497.5772

Loving Hands Tea. Celebrate the moms in your life with scones, tea sandwiches, pastries and loose leaf tea. 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Montpelier House Museum, 9650 Muirkirk Rd. 301.377.7817

HEAD OF THE CLASS

The following students were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s oldest collegiate honor society:

James Morton Jr, University of Maryland Global Campus

Tatiana Hamilton, McDaniel College

Joshua Strohmayer, University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus

Ana Benzaquen, Andrews University, Michigan

Lynitta Karley, Andrews University, Michigan

Gottlieb Bright was named to the fall 2023 dean’s list at Widener University, in Pennsylvania.

Quante Redd was among the nine Shenandoah University football players selected to the 2024 Nation-

Spring Open House. Meet the resident artists and see how they make their crafts through demonstrations. Free. 1 to 3 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, 301.377.7800

MAY 12

Learn to Fly Your Drone Like a Pro! Learn in a group session or one-on-one with experts; no previous experience necessary. Noon to 2 p.m. $49.99 plus processing fee. Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St. To reserve your spot, go to tinyurl.com/hbdwy8nm

MAY 14-15

Kitten Shower. Support Laurel Cats by enjoying food from Bella Indian and Italian Cuisine. 7423 Van Dusen Rd. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dine-in or carry out. 301.490.6348

West Laurel Civic Association Red Cross Blood Drive. 1 to 6 p.m., West Laurel Community Building, 16601 Supplee Ln. For more information, email wlcatechnology@gmail.com and to create a user account and register, go to tinyurl.com/ mwn7t8cs

MAY 15

Death Cafe - Presented by Capital Caring Health. Engage in conversations about life, death and everything in between in a safe space. 2 p.m. Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St. 240.455.5451

MAY 17

Kevin So. A performance of Americana, soul and blues.

al Football Foundation’s Hampshire Honor Society, which is composed of college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers.

Olamide Oluwafemi received an outstanding engagement award for going above and beyond in her engagement and assistance with the IDEALS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Leadership, Access, and Success) program at Hofstra University, New York.

Ronald Thomas, a student at Albright College in Pennsylvania, presented his scholarly work at the 25th annual Berks County Undergraduate Research and Creativity Conference in April.

8 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd. 301.377.7800

MAY 18

Group Bike Ride. A 12-mile bike ride on the North Tract of Patuxent Research Refuge. Registration required. 10 a.m. 230 Bald Eagle Dr, 301.497.5772

Community Celebration and Litter Cleanup. The dedication of Monarch Metamorphosis Park and Pollinator Garden sponsored by the Laurel Arts Council and Laurel for the Patuxent. Litter cleanup in the Old Town neighborhood follows. Noon. Pavilion at Sturgis Moore Park, 8th and Montgomery sts.

Spring Carnival. Bond Mill Elementary School’s carnival will feature games, food trucks, a moonbounce, pony rides and more. Free. Noon to 3 p.m. 16001 Sherwood Ln. Bondmillpto@ gmail.com

How to Help and Attract Pollinators!. A workshop on how to help and attract pollinators, including butterflies, anywhere you live. 2 p.m. Also held on June 1. National Wildlife Visitor Center, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop. 301.497.5772

Souls Seeking Freedom Walking Tour: The Untold Story. Learn about slavery and resistance at Montpelier and beyond on this guided tour on the grounds of Montpelier. 2 p.m. $10. Reservations

required. Montpelier House Museum, 9650 Muirkirk Rd. 301.377.7817

MAY 19

Laurel Cats Adoption Event. 2 to 4 p.m. PetSmart, 13600 Baltimore Ave., #160. 301.866.0161

Olivia Currier. The mezzosoprano performs a variety of music. 3 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road. 301.377.7800

Hidden Spaces: A Walking Tour on the Architecture and Preservation of Montpelier. See seldom seen areas of the mansion and learn about its original construction. 3:30 p.m. $10. Montpelier House Museum, 9650 Muirkirk Rd. 301.377.7830

MAY 20

Jump and Hula Hoop Your Way to Fitness! Celebrate National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in this program designed for seniors age 60 and up. Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center. Free. 1 to 2 p.m. 7120 Contee Dr. For more information, call 301.206.3350. To register, go to tinyurl.com/3xu9bm2a

MAY 22

Cold 2.0: A Foreign Policy Discussion Series. Join author Bear Afkhami and library staff in a discussion about the New Cold War, the power competition between Russia, China and the U.S. and how it is shaping global security. 6 p.m. Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St. 240.455.5451

MAY 24

Yoga & Jazz. A free yoga class with live jazz music. Bring a yoga mat. 7 p.m. .Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd. 301.377.7800

MAY 25

West Laurel Swim Club “Open the Pool” 5K. A 5k run and 1k fun walk to raise funds for pool refurbishing. Registration opens at 7:30 a.m., race starts at 8 a.m. 7203 Brooklyn Bridge Rd. For pricing and to register, go to tinyurl.com/wr5z4w6r

Birding at Patuxent’s North Tract. Explore the refuge as you look for indigo buntings, blue grosbeak, hooded warblers and more. Free, registration required. 8 to 11 a.m. Patuxent Refuge North Tract Visitor Information Station, 230 Bald Eagle Dr. To register, go to tinyurl. com/578wnw4w

MAY 28

Laurel Branch Library Book Club. Join fellow readers to explore characters and themes of Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett. Free. 7 p.m. 507 7th St.240.455.5451

JUNE 1

Baakari Wilder and Friends. Tap dancer Baakari Wilder performs with fellow tap dancers Brinae Ali, Joseph Webb and Cartier Williams. 8 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd. 301.377.7800

Mural and pollinator garden to be dedicated

BY KATIE V. JONES

Laurel for the Patuxent (L4P) and the Laurel Arts Council will dedicate the Monarch Metamorphosis Park mural and pollinator garden in Sturgis Moore Park on May 18.

“We want to honor all the people who participated in all three parts of the project,” Cheryl Dyer, L4P member and a former arts council member, said. “It took a really long time. We engaged as many people as possible.”

The three-phase project began in April 2023 with a pollinator printmaking project involving students from Laurel Elementary and members of the community. Over the following summer, four students from Laurel High School helped artist Megan Alodie paint a mural depicting the life cycle of the monarch butterfly as phase two of the project at Alice B. McCullough Field. Brian Coyle, who

“I like to partner with other groups,” Dyer said. “Many hands make light work.”

Dyer believes the project is in-

spiring other artists, noting that a new mural featuring pollinators graces attorney C. Michael Walls’ building on Prince George’s Street.

“It’s very cool,” Dyer said. “I would love it if we started seeing more murals about pollinators.”

founded L4P, orchestrated the planting of the pollinator garden near the mural for the third and final phase.

(From left) Artists Imani Williams, Ademidun “Demi” Adegoke, Megan Alodie, Amera McCain and Monica Benitez at the Monarch Metamorphosis Park mural in July 2023. COURTESY OF AIESHA SOLOMON

3, NO. 5

WELCOME TO THE NEW D IRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS!

The City of Laurel is pleased to announce the appointment of Former TV Journalist and Communications Professional, Natalie Williams, as the Director of the Department of Communications. Following a unanimous vote by the Laurel City Council on March 25, 2024, Ms. Williams assumes this position, bringing her wealth of expertise and dedication to serve our community. In her role as director, Ms. Williams will lead the Department ’s strategic vision, which includes Laurel TV and Podcast City Studios.

“Today, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the success of this remarkable community,” says Williams. “Having witnessed firsthand the vibrancy and resilience of Laurel, I am honored to assume this position and play a part in its continued growth. I believe that Laurel is a gem waiting to shine even brighter, and I a m committed to leveraging my experience and passion for communications to highlight the diverse voices and experiences within our city.”

For more than 30 years, Williams has demonstrated visionary leadership and effective management in the journalism, public aff airs, and integrated marketing communications fields. Her early experience in television and radio equipped her with invaluable skills, pav ing the way for an incredible career in education, healthcare, public policy, and government sectors.

Prior to joining the City of Laurel, Williams served as the Senior Director of Communications and Public Affairs for Maryland Business Roundtable for Education (MBRT), where she was responsible for steering the organization's strategic vision and enhancing its standing through the implementation of targeted communication strategies. This encompassed the development and supervision of a multi -tiered communications plan, and the skillful management of public affairs endeavors, government connections, stakeholder engagements, m edia interactions, advocacy initiatives, public speaking/speechwriting opportunities, and special events.

Prior to joining MBRT, Williams served as Vice President of Advancement at Maryland University of Integrative Health where sh e oversaw various university operations, including marketing, internal and external communications, university relations, alumni servic es, development, and events management. During her tenure, she successfully developed and implemented a wide range of aggressive communication and marketing strategies that resulted in a historic number of new student leads and enrollment.

Earlier, she developed and successfully implemented management operation plans and strategic communication plans that improve d the dayto-day operations of United Medical Center in her dual role as Corporate Secretary to the Board of Directors and Vice President of Public Affairs. Her efforts advanced the image of the hospital in the community, improved its value in the primary patient service a rea, and enhanced its reputation among area healthcare providers.

And she has served as a top aide to two members of the District of Columbia City Council, the seat of government that enacts laws on behalf of District residents. Natalie Williams ’s remarkable achievements and impact in the market stem from her extensive and diverse experiences crafted throughout her career. With adeptness, she has honed the ability to create and present information, effectively suppo rting the objectives at hand. Moreover, she generously imparts her knowledge to others, demonstrating her leadership by conducting workshops on various topics relevant to the communications industry.

Her work has been recognized by numerous awards, including two Emmy® nominations from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the “Best in Business Award” from the Public Relations Society of America/Nation’s Capital Chapter.

MAIN STREET FESTIVAL SATURDAY, MAY 11!

Join the Laurel Board of Trade at their 43rd Annual Main Street Festival for a day of family fun, with the parade kicking off at 9am, followed by a day of food, music and Mother’s Day shopping (since Mother ’s Day is May 12th) until 4pm!

Main Street will be completely closed to vehicular traffic between Route 1 South and 7th Street, so please plan your trip through Laurel accordingly that day.

GREEN HAPPENINGS IN LAUREL THIS SPRING!

New Sustainable Laurel Facebook/X Pages!

Come to Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center on June 6th, and get an update on the City of Laurel Sustainability Plan! There will be two sessions, so if you can’t make one, you may be to make the other! The first session will be from 10:30am - 12:30pm, and the second session will be form 5:30pm - 7:30pm, both in the Council Chambers. If you can’t attend the Open House, then be sure to scan the QR code in the flyer and take the survey!

If you want to get the most recent information on Laurel ’s sustainability initiatives, be sure to follow us on Facebook at @SustainableLaurel and on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @sustainablelrl. We will post news on all things green and sustainable on these pages, so stay in the know and be sure to follow them!

Farmer’s Market News!!!

Our Farmer’s Market is back! Come out and visit your vendors from last year and meet some “new” favorites. No need to worry about which Thursday is market day – the market is open from 3pm to 7pm every Thursday from May 2nd through September 26th, except on the 4th of July, when we will be closed for the holiday. Be sure to check out our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thelaurelquilllot and our City web page at https://www.cityoflaurel.org/1617/Laurel-Farmers-Market for details about vendor specials and updates. You can also check out our Farmer ’s Market schedule at https://trello.com/ b/AGGKXjAP/scheduled-vendors and see what vendors will be at the Market on each Thursday!

Learn more about going Green on our Green Living webpage. https://www.cityoflaurel.org/green and sign up for “what’s new” to stay up to date on green initiatives!

LA CIUDAD DE LAUREL DA LA BIENVENIDA A LA NUEVA DIRECTORA DE COMUNICACIONES

La ciudad de Laurel se complace en anunciar el nombramiento de la ex periodista de televisión y profesional de comunicaciones, Natalie Williams, como directora del Departamento de Comunicaciones. Luego de una votación unánime del Concejo Municipal de Laurel el 25 de marzo de 2024, la Sra. Williams asume este puesto, aportando su gran experiencia y dedicación para servir a nuestra comunidad. En su papel de directora, la Sra. Williams dirigirá la visión estratégica del Departamento, que incluye Laurel TV y Podcast City Studios.

Durante más de 30 años, Williams ha demostrado un liderazgo visionario y una gestión eficaz en los campos del periodismo, los asuntos públicos y las comunicaciones integradas de marketing. Su trabajo ha sido reconocido con numerosos premios, incluidas dos nominaciones al Emmy® de la Academia Nacional de Artes y Ciencias de la Televisión y el "Premio al Mejor Negocio" de la Sociedad de Relaciones Públicas de América/Capítulo de la Capital de la Nación.

LAUREL POLICE MONTHLY CRIME REPORT

MARCH 2024

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

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 x2120 or at clerk@laurel.md.us. For the full agendas, visit www.cityoflaurel.org.

Adopted Legislation:

• Resolution No. 2-2024 - to create a Multicultural Advisory Committee and provide an effective date.

• Ordinance No. 2024 (Text Amend. No. 266) - to amend the Unified Land Development Code, Chapter 20 “Land Development and Subdivision Regulations to update the Use Tables in Commercial, Industrial and M-X-T Zones, to update Forest Conservation Article, to update Signs Section and update Definitions Section.

• Ordinance No. 2025 - to repeal and reenact, with amendments, Chapter 18, “Building and Building Regulations” of the Laurel City Code, Art. IXIII, renumber sections and provide an effective date.

Bid Recommendations:

• Parks and Recreation Bid Recommendation for Granville Gude Lakehouse Remodel$71,245.90

• Information Technology Bid Recommendation for Seventy (70) Toughbooks and In -Car Docking Equipment - $508,490

Appointments/Reappointments:

 Anthony Taylor (Appointment): Environmental Affairs Committee - 4/08/24 - 4/08/26

 Ursula Gnan (Appointment): Board of Appeals - 4/08/24 - 4/08/27

 Barbara Robinson (Reappointment): Environmental Affairs Committee - 4/08/24 - 4/08/26

 Sabrina Jones (Reappointment): Education Advisory Committee - 4/08/24 - 4/08/26

 Amy Dunham (Appointment): Parks and Rec CAC - 4/22/2024 - 4/22/2027

 Nancy Steinecke (Reappointment): Historic District Commission - 4/22/24 - 4/22/27

Government Meetings

(Dates and Times Subject to Change)

May 2024 Mayor and City Council Meetings

301-725-5300 ext. 2121

clerk@laurel.md.us

 May 13th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm)  May 28th - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting - Chambers - (6:00pm)

May 2024 Boards and Commissions

 May 14th - Planning Commission (6:00pm)

 May 14th - Environmental Affairs Committee (6:00pm)

 May 21st - Historic District Commission (6:00pm)

 May 23rd - Board of Appeals (6:00pm)

June 2024 Mayor and City Council Meetings

 June 5th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Work Session (6:00pm)

 June 10th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm)

 June 24th - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting (CANCELLED)

June 2024 Boards and Commissions

 June 11th - Planning Commission (6:00pm)

 June 11th - In-Person Environmental Affairs Committee (6:00pm)

 June 18th - Historic District Commission (6:00pm)

 June 27th - Board of Appeals (6:00pm)

City Announcements & Events

(Dates and Times Subject to Change)

 Main Street Festival - May 11, 2024, from 9am - 4pm.

 Move with the Mayor: Mental Health Awareness Event - May 18, 2024, from 10am - 1pm at Craig A. Moe Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Ft. Meade Road. An event to engage the public to break down the stigmas of mental health issues.

 City Hall in the Park - May 22, 2024, from 6:30 - 8pm: Discovery Park.

 Pools Open May 25, 2024! From Opening Day until schools let out, hours are 48pm on weekdays and 12-8pm on weekends. For more information, visit www.cityoflaurel.org/159/Parks-and-Recreation.

 Lakehouse is Open for Business! Open on Saturdays/Sundays until May 26th: 3 - 7pm. Then June 1st - September 1st open Saturdays/Sundays: 12 - 7pm. Come down and rent a Paddle Boat and enjoy an afternoon at the Lake!

 Bike Decorating Parade and Ice Cream Social - June 7, 2024, 6:00pm, Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St. Bring your bikes and helmets for some family fun.

 Juneteenth Celebration - June 22, 2024, 3 - 7pm, Granville Gude Park.

 FREE Concert in the Park - June 21, 2024, from 7 - 9pm at Granville Gude Park, 8300 Mulberry Street. First performance by Spanglish American Band!

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

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

Community Resoources and E mergency M anagement: Hurricane Prepared ness

Hurricane Preparedness Week is from May 5 – May 11, 2024, and highlights the importance of emergency preparedness during hurricane season, which starts June 1st and ends November 30th. Hurricanes and Tropical Storms regularly form over the Atlant ic Oceans and pose a large risk to the East Coast. Being residents of Maryland, we may often think we are safe from these large storm systems, since as, geographically, we lie inland and rarely experience a Hurricane or Tropical Storm making landfall. Despite the unlikeliness of these storms directly affecting our area, we must continue to prepare for that slim chance it does happen. Ev en with the difference in the size and scope of these storms, the same planning and preparations methods remain the same.

The following tips can help you prepare for this and future Hurricane Seasons:

• Develop an Evacuation Plan - Have an evacuation plan, identify where you will evacuate to, if needed, and what routes you can take to get there.

• Assemble Disaster Supplies - Following a storm, you may be without power or access to food and water for several days. Prepare canned foods (include a manual can opener), bottled water, and necessities to ensure you and your family can survive.

• Be Insured – If you live in a flood -prone area, make sure your home is insured! Following a disastrous storm, insurance is a critical resource to rebuilding and recovering.

• Strengthen Your Home – Prepare your home to withstand the winds, rain, and flooding a storm can bring.

For more information about preparing for, withstanding, and recovering from a hurricane, visit https://www.ready.gov/hurrican es.

JUNE 2

Laurel Historical Society’s 22nd Gala. LHS’ Speakeasy Soiree will feature musical performances, auctions and festive fare. Tickets $115. 5 p.m. Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St., Savage. For more information call 301.725.7975 or go to tinyurl. com/2bep3nss

JUNE 6

Kickoff Summer Prince George’s. Celebrate the start of the summer reading program with activities and prizes. 4 p.m. Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St,. 240.455.5451

ONGOING

It’s All Laurel. This exhibit at the Laurel Historical Society and Museum looks at the different neighborhoods and communities within Laurel city limits and beyond. Free. Through August. 817 Main St 301.725.7975

Melissa Burley: Portrait of a Dream. Burley explores symbolism, unconsciousness and what we dream and why through artworks made of reclaimed objects – test tubes, bicycle parts, clockworks and more. Free. May 18 through June 30. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd. 301.377.7800

WATER

Cindy Rivarde: Binding Ties. Drawing from her experience living in Florida, California and Maryland, Rivarde paints connections between nature, people and time. Free. Through June 2. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd. 301.377.7800

The 55th Annual Laurel Art Guild Juried Exhibition. Paintings, drawings, photographs, wall-hung sculptures, collages and more by artists ages 18 and older who live in the Washington metropolitan area and surrounding states. Free. Through May 26. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd. 301.377.7800

RECURRING

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 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 fourth. 5:30 to 8 p.m. 2 Main St. 301.725.2302

also installed at least one filtered-water bottle-filling station in each school in the county.

“Anywhere where we think we have an issue, we provide water for kids,” he said. “My job is to provide safe water for kids — no matter how I get it to them. So until we can tell you your school is OK, they’re going to get some kind of supplemental water.”

The school district’s budget includes an annual allocation of $200,000 to address this issue. That amount is enough to change out the fixtures of four to five schools, Stefanelli said.

“It’s all about funding,” he said, noting that new schools are built to today’s standards and that the problem will eventually subside as the district replaces older schools over time.

In addition to grappling with issues of funding, the school district faces the problem of relocating students when plumbing is shut off as a school undergoes renovation, Stefanelli said.

Stefanelli said if a water source tests above the county’s limit of 5 parts lead per billion parts water, it will be either shut off or removed completely. Some water sources that are necessary to

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. Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activities Center, 7120 Contee Rd. 301.206.3380

Beltsville Young at Heart. Meets the third Thursday of each month; entertainment, speakers, trips. Ages 55 and up. 10:30 a.m. Beltsville Community Center, 3900 Sellman Rd. Beltsville 301.498.9736

Jim Whitney Toastmasters Club. A Toastmasters International affiliate, the club teaches public speaking and leadership skills. May 13 and 27, 7 p.m. St. Philips Episcopal Church, 522 Main St. For more information, go to 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. For more information, email mbctoastmasters@ metropolitanbaptist.org

FOOD PANTRIES, DISTRIBUTIONS

St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Food distributions in partnership with Capital Area Food Bank. Third Sunday of every

keep a school operational, such as sinks in classrooms, are retained but have signs labeling them unsafe to drink from.

The issue mostly affects schools built decades ago that have water fixtures cast in lead molds; Stefanelli said the casting process caused lead to leach into the fixtures.

Lori Murrow, a former member of the Maryland State Board of Education, said the issue will not be easy to resolve.

“Being able to change out all of the lead piping in these schools is a massive undertaking, and it’s just not likely to happen,” she said.

Murrow added that it would be good for families to be informed at the beginning of the school year if lead has been detected in a school’s fixtures.

Stefanelli said the district will shut off drinking water for an entire building that has a severe lead problem. He added that schools with less severe issues are easier to deal with.

“Because we’ll find you have two or three in a school, but it doesn’t really affect the kids’ ability to drink if we just shut those off or remove them completely,” he said. “So that way that school is basically safe.”

month; next distribution is May 19 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 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 Lane, Suite 12. For dates and times, call 301.605.3756

“I put some acorns on the fuel pack of our horse.”

LAUREL SQUIRREL By Agnes Pasco Conaty

Nature journaling: The art of slowing down in a frenzied-up world

By AGNES PASCO CONATY

Nature teaches us a lot of things when we open our minds and watch. A mourning dove takes refuge in our home’s window boxes each spring to nest. She prepares some twigs, feathers and mud to lay two or three eggs that may hatch out baby doves. The mother is overprotective; she stays in the nest, unmoving for days to warm her brood until they set their wings to fly.

I witness the rites of spring like clockwork: the early buds of snow drops shyly peeping out from underneath the mailbox, then the burst of daffodils, the quiet simplicity of Lenten roses, radial symmetry of hyacinths and the majestic bloom of magnolias. The symphony of pink blossoms in harmony with the pulse of spring burst; it’s time to dust up my little notebook and write.

In our backyard in Laurel, I find inspiration from oak trees, tall, slender, almost reaching for the sun. Ralph Waldo

Emerson said, “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” Small yet plump with wonder, an acorn is packed with the promise of leafy branches where squirrels could play hide and seek or give cover to a thirsty deer stopping by the creek.

Why journal? Like a diary, a

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nature journal tells your story — a beautiful story that’s set in time and place, weather, one’s reflections, lovely sketches of what you see and descriptions of what you hear, touch and smell. Sometimes you may be even inclined to create some poetry or recollect a memory.

Someday, when the world has

found its senses, we will collectively rediscover the meaning of joy, the pleasure of taking a walk or stopping to look at a wildflower, run in a meadow, dance in the rain, skip stones — and simply watch time go by. Go ahead and observe the rustle of leaves, the pattern of the clouds, the sound of a flight of

geese, the intricate weave on a spider’s web, the perfect sphere of a raindrop on a blade of grass, the complexity of a passion flower, the cadence of rainfall on a pavement or the dying embers of a golden sunset.

“Keep close to nature’s heart … and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods.

Wash your spirit clean, “ John Muir said. Muir, often cited as father of our national parks, was an environmentalist whose writings can inspire us to this day. When the world is in too much of a hurry, take a moment to sit down. And if you’re so inspired, open your notebook and sketch.

Agnes Pasco Conaty is a college math and environmental science adjunct professor who also works as senior research scientist and science lead for the GLOBE Observer Program at NASA/ Goddard Space Flight Center.

Agnes’ sketches of some pine cones and needles she picked while walking in West Laurel. AGNES PASCO CONATY

NATIVE GARDENING WITH JIMMY

Unfurling the mysteries of ferns

By JIMMY ROGERS

Ferns awaken an ancient part of my brain. Observing low, herbaceous plants on any forest floor, I will often marvel at the leafy texture. But if there are ferns, the place seems transported from another time, unexplored by human feet.

They are ancient plants, with some, such as interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana), dating back to the Triassic period. For the gardener, ferns can seem mysterious, as they look different from other plants and need the right conditions to grow. Few plants, however, add as much texture and vibrancy to a shade garden as a fern. I will reveal some secrets to understanding ferns so you can choose the right one for your garden.

It helps to know what you’re looking at when you encounter a fern, either in the garden or in the forest. With the exception of the semi-evergreen ferns, many ferns leave little evidence of their presence over the winter. In Maryland, our ferns start putting out curled-up fronds called fiddleheads around mid-April. The fiddleheads will grow taller and unfurl over the following weeks, displaying the delicate new fronds in bright green. If you catch fiddleheads unfurling in the wild, it’s like seeing spring itself emerging from the winter duff.

FORAGING FOR FIDDLEHEADS

Let us pause here to touch on foraging. There is a long tradition of collecting fiddleheads, which are edible, in the spring. In Maryland, though, all of our native ferns contain carcinogens (cancer-causing chemicals), except for ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris). It’s easy to remember: Ostrich fern is the only fern with the name of an animal you could eat! My partner, Greta, enjoyed ostrich fern fiddleheads during her time living in Maine, where they can be found in most grocery stores in the spring. She says they taste like a more delicate asparagus.

To complicate matters, though, ostrich fern is on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources rare plant list because only small popu-

lations remain along forested floodplains, such as those along the Patapsco River. To preserve these remnant ecosystems, only forage from artificial communities of ferns in Maryland, such as ferns you’ve planted in your own garden.

THE CUT METHOD

To the untrained eye, all ferns may look the same. You can narrow down the species a little by counting what are called cuts. First imagine a normal leaf. Then imagine making a single cut from the side of that leaf. If you repeat that single cut along the length of

FERN REPRODUCTION

Once the fronds are fully unfurled, the fern can enter the reproductive phase of its life. The underside of some fronds have small dots called sori. These contain spores that will spread on the wind to form new plants.

Ferns, like many other plants, can also reproduce by rhizomes that spread underground,. Some ferns do this very quickly and are known as fast-spreading, while others take their time and are known as slow-spreading. This is both a useful way to classify them and a good way to plan how many ferns to buy for your garden.

FAST-SPREADING FERNS

Lady fern (Athyrium filix-femina) is a short, thrice-cut fern that can spread quickly in dry shade. For wet environments, sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a once-cut fern whose fronds resemble a primitive feather.

SLOW-SPREADING FERNS

Northern maidenhead fern (Adiantum pedatum) has a unique circular arrangement of fronds.

Interrupted fern (Osmunda claytoniana) is a twice-cut fern, though the second cut is less deep, as though the cut was interrupted. Both prefer moderate rather than deep shade and consistent moisture.

the leaf, that is what the fronds of what’s called a once-cut fern looks like. If you then cut each of those new segments again, that is what a twice-cut fern looks like.

If you made another tiny cut inward in each of those cuts, you’d end up with a leaf that looks a bit like lace. That is a thrice-cut fern.

Within this group are also the semi-evergreen ferns. Marginal wood fern (Dryopteris marginalis) is a twice-cut fern that prefers moist shade. Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) is a bold, oncecut fern that can tolerate dry shade and is often found on rocky slopes. Keep in mind that non-native ferns are frequently sold at big

Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides) hugging a rocky slope. JIMMY ROGERS

FERNS

box nurseries. (Among these you will find Japanese painted ferns, which have a distinctive coloration.) Our native ferns have sheltered local wildlife for millions of years, though, so stick with natives to ensure that relationship continues in your own garden.

PLANTING FERNS

Ferns require no special care when planting, though I find myself most confident planting at two times of the year. In the fall, the ferns you can buy will often have fading fronds but perfectly good roots, and fall planting will give them the most time to adapt to their new environment. For spring planting, I prefer March or April, as nursery-grown ferns will just be emerging from dormancy, and I will be able to tell if they are viable. Any later in the season, and you risk damaging the first flush of new fronds in summer’s heat.

To ensure good ground coverage in early spring, do be sure to combine your ferns with other plants that come up earlier in the season. As your shade plants grow more dense over time, those unfurling ferns may help your garden resemble the beauty and mystery of a primordial forest.

Jimmy Rogers is an avid native gardener in the city of Laurel.

Laurel Park to host Preakness in 2025 and 2026, then close

By JOE MURCHISON and NANCY WELCH

On April 8, the Maryland legislature passed a bill that will restructure the state’s racing industry and enable the state to assume ownership of Baltimore’s Pimlico Race Course, home of the Preakness Stakes. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is expected to sign the bill, which includes $400 million in bonds earmarked for rebuilding Pimlico.

Pimlico is currently owned by the Stronach Group, a Canadian entertainment and real estate conglomerate. The Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Operating Authority (MTROA), a nonprofit established by the Maryland General Assembly in 2023, will assume management and operation of Pimlico on July 1.

For fans of Laurel Park, the city’s 113-year-old thoroughbred racetrack, this news is as good as it gets — for a couple of years. The Preakness, the second jewel of Triple Crown racing, will move to Laurel Park

for the 2025 and 2026 seasons while Pimlico is being rebuilt. When the Preakness returns to Pimlico in 2027, Laurel Park, which is also owned by the Stronach Group, is due to close permanently.

Stronach has already allocated 63 acres of Laurel Park property to Paddock Pointe, a mixed-use development along Route 1 in Howard County. The development, which began construction in 2020, is slated to include 1,000 homes as well as commercial and office space. What will happen to the remaining 166 acres at Laurel Park is uncertain, though Stronach is expected to close the facility and potentially sell the property..

Laurel Park’s future looked brighter three years ago. In 2020, the state legislature developed a plan that would make Laurel Park the state’s main thoroughbred track, with almost all of Pimlico’s races, except for the Preakness, being run there. The legislation authorized a state

bond sale of $375 million to renovate the tracks at both Pimlico and Laurel.

The legislature was trying to preserve a statewide equine industry that generates an estimated $2 billion a year in economic activity, with $572 million of that from racing, according to the MTROA report. But the twotrack plan hit a brick wall when the cost of needed improvements to both tracks was found to far exceed $375 million.

Of the two tracks, Laurel Park has been the statistical high achiever in recent years. According to the Maryland Racing Commission’s 2022 annual report, Laurel Park’s attendance (147,106) was twice that of Pimlico that year. Laurel Park’s wagering total ($43.9 million) was more than three times that of the Baltimore track.

State Sen. Jim Rosapepe (District 21) suggested that the state’s favoring Pimlico over Laurel Park is a matter of weighing the needs of the two cities that are home to the

courses. Rosapepe, who represents the Laurel area including Laurel Park (which is in Anne Arundel County), said, “Obviously the Preakness specifically, and Pimlico generally, are a big brand for Baltimore, and Baltimore has a lot of problems. People in the Baltimore area feel very strongly about Pimlico helping to improve the entire community. … They and we know that west Anne Arundel County and northern Prince George’s [County] have a lot more going for us economically than [simply] the Laurel racetrack.”

Laurel Park has put the city on the map for more than a century. Founded by private investors in 1911, the track hosted the Washington, D.C International during the 1950s, which brought top horses from Europe (including a horse belonging to Queen Elizabeth) to the city. The park has also hosted the annual Maryland Million since its inception in 1984. The brainchild of TV sportscaster Jim McKay, the Maryland Million is an annual day of races that feature Marylandbred horses, with total purses amounting to $1 million.

A 1953 aerial photo of Laurel Park. COURTESY OF LAUREL HISTORICAL SOCIETY

EARTH DAY CLEAN-UP A SUCCESS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOSHUA ABLE

On April 20, volunteers gathered at Granville Gude Park as part of an Earth Day cleanup event hosted by Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation. More than 30 residents, along with volunteers from the Laurel Police Department, helped pick up trash around the park and along the waterways. They found a Christmas wreath, dog bowls and even some umbrellas in the debris along the trail and in the water.

“It was a great turnout of volunteers and I would like to thank the community for their help,” Laurel Police Sgt. Anthony Miskovish said.

But Earth Day isn’t the only day clean-ups can occur.

Laurel for the Patuxent has scheduled a clean-up of Laurel’s Old Town neighborhood on May 18.

“We’ve been doing them a couple times a year,” Holly Hoglund, a member of Laurel for the Patuxent, said. “The city is really good about spring. We’re adding to it.”

While the group typically does clean-ups along the river, Hoglund targeted the neighborhood after seeing lots of litter during her daily morning walks.

“It’s a contributing factor to pollution,” Hoglund said. “Trash gets blown into the river or carried by rain.” Hoglund is all for the clean-ups: “I think the river has improved a lot,” she said. “I think people who walk there pick up trash on their own. People are developing good habits.”

— Joshua Able and Katie V. Jones

MAY CLEAN-UP

Old Town clean-up, May 18, sponsored by Laurel for the Patuxent. Meet at noon at the Sturgis Moore Park pavilion. Bring your own gloves; bags and grabbers will be provided. Youth can earn community service hours.

Volunteers pick up litter during the April 20 clean-up.

Erica Williams and her son, Antonio Williams, picking up litter in Granville Gude Park.

Top: Volunteers gather for the clean-up at Granville Gude Park on April 20. Above: Adam Novak, a parks and recreation employee, organizes supplies for the clean-up.