INSIDE AFFORDABLE HOMES: The city wants them built, P.3
VOL. 5 NO. 1
JANUARY 2026
LAUREL’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER / LAURELINDEPENDENT.COM
LIVE WELL LAUREL: Ten local ideas to start the New Year right, P. 11 Plus how state legislators plan to make life better. P. 10
Retiree’s passion is on track Musicians to hold retreat for pipers
By JOE MURCHISON “The biggest problem I had when I retired was not having anything to do,” Michael Sutton said, recalling retiring as senior network engineer with the downtown D.C. law firm Covington & Burling. Fortunately, he quickly found something he could throw himself into: building a model-train layout that now fills the basement rec room of his townhouse off Van Dusen Road. “And this is only half done in my mind,” he says, two years later. His passion wasn’t foreseeable. He says he was intrigued hearing trains pass nearby as he grew up in the projects of Baltimore, and he enjoyed traveling on them during European business trips. He even had a simple oval setup as a child, though he didn’t spend much time with it. But just before he retired, an enthusiast friend who was moving to Florida offered to sell SutSEE TRAINS ON 9
By AYLIN AARHUS Bob Mitchell has played the bagpipes since he was 9 years old. The Laurel resident was introduced to the smallpipes in 1998. Smaller and quieter than their cousin the bagpipes, smallpipes are meant to be played indoors with other instruments, After studying with instructors in Scotland and participating in Zoom lessons starting during the pandemic, Mitchell now holds regular sessions for smallpipers in his home. Sometimes the pipers are accompanied by musicians playing string instruments like the fiddle or the cello.
Michale Sutton is working towards a mini-Laurel in his basement. COURTESY OF MICHAEL SUTTON
SEE PIPERS ON 11
City leaders observe Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day By JOSHUA GARNER
Marchelle LeBlanc, director of the Laurel Department of Human Services, speaks at Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day. PHOTO BY JOSHUA GARNER
City of Laurel officials gathered Dec. 19 with community members and nonprofit leaders to observe Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, an annual day of remembrance and advocacy honoring people who died while experiencing homelessness. “Each name, each life mattered. These were our neighbors, our family members, our friends — people with stories, dreams and dignity,” said Marchelle LeBlanc, director of the city’s Human Services Department.
The event was held at the Craig A. Moe Laurel Multiservice Center, which opened earlier this year and includes shelter beds for people experiencing homelessness. “Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is not only about remembrance; it is also a call to compassion and action,” LeBlanc said. “It reminds us why this center exists — to be a place of safety, support and hope.” Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day has been observed nationally since 1990. The event marked both Laurel’s first observance of Homeless Persons’ Memorial
Day and the completion of the Multiservice Center’s first year of operation. LeBlanc led a moment of silence next to a memorial plaque honoring unhoused individuals in the center’s parking lot. Advocates at the event said compassion, action and community support are more important than ever to prevent deaths related to homelessness. “Each life that is lost really tears a hole in the fabric of our community,” said Ruth Walls of Patrons for Peace, a Laurel-based nonprofit that partners with the center. “We need to have empathy for those who SEE HOMELESS ON 6
INSIDE: THE JANUARY 2026 ISSUE OF THE LAUREL LEDGER HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383
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The Laurel Independent | January 2026
THE LAUREL INNER SPACE A community newspaper chronicling the people and events of Laurel, Maryland.
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The Laurel Independent is published monthly and starts a new publication schedule in February 2026 to get into readers hands at the start of each month. We welcome reader input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs. Send by Jan. 19 to kit@streetcarsuburbs.news Columnists Agnes Pasco Conaty, Paul Gentile, Jimmy Rogers, Shane Walker Writers & Contributors Aylin Aarhus, Joshua Garner, Joe Murchison, Nancy Welch Layout & Design Editors Valerie Morris, Ashley Perks Advertising Information For advertising inquiries, please email catie@streetcarsuburbs.news or call (301) 284-8611
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Our nation at 250: how Laurel could prepare By AGNES PASCO CONATY
C
rossing into the new year, we arrive at a milestone. During 2026, on July 4, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial – which means 250th – anniversary of its independence. Big events are planned for Washington D.C., Philadelphia and other historic places. In the midst of it all, the city of Laurel, nestled between Washington and Baltimore, could hold meaningful local civic activities that invite community engagement and personal initiatives. Our city and its residents could launch 250 service projects throughout the year that tackle local issues such as poverty, environmental stewardship, housing, civic literacy, and other pressing concerns. Make a year-long community calendar with a monthly theme that invites the community to help achieve a goal. Teach citizens to make observations of nature helpful for tracking climate change, as discussed in some of my prior columns. Our local schools could focus on American history, the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and our freedoms through podcasts, friendly competitions and exhibitions. More than fireworks and festivals, we could promote storytelling, sharing personal stories of how generations of Laurel residents have enjoyed the benefits of these freedoms in their way of life and in the practice of their religion. Above all, this is a personal journey for each one. My first visit to the United States from the Philippines was about thirty-five years ago in 1990 when I was part of a Rotary Visiting Exchange team to West Virginia. Five years later, in 1995, I came back as part of an environmental science tour of cities across the nation that showcased success in ecological sustainability, sponsored by the U.S. Cultural Attaché in the Philippines. And then in 1998, I had an opportunity to do my doctoral dissertation for more than a year at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where I met my future husband, Austin. We got married in the Philippines in 2000, and have lived in both Greenbelt and Laurel since then, with our son Joseph, born in 2005. I became an American citizen in 2004, and I have loved the conservative values
Agnes Conaty’s citizenship swearing-in ceremony, June 8, 2004. COURTESY OF AGNES PASCO CONATY
of faith, family and freedom in America. As soon as I got a chance, I have actively cast my votes for United States presidents and local leaders. Like me, millions of others from various countries have sought to live these ideals we found in the United States that we could not enjoy to the fullest in other parts of the world. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I lived in the era of martial law in the Philippines, where freedoms were stifled and tyranny ruled. I also witnessed the historic People Power in the 80s, when millions of Filipinos marched peacefully to the streets and where prayers and rosaries stopped guns and cannons and toppled a dictator. Though these experiences are from a distant past, I sometimes wish we valued more the lessons learned. Let’s highlight our city’s local history as part of our nation’s larger history. Use our historical sites such as the Laurel Branch Library, the Laurel Historical Society’s museum, Montpelier House Museum, or Main Street as sites for September’s Constitution Day, historical diorama creation, mock town halls, or multicultural music and food showcases. Local artists could participate in making murals, tapestries or quilts of their cultural heritage. Musicians could compose patriotic songs of hope, honor and heroism. Writers could pay tribute to
local heroes: firefighters, police, nurses, medical practitioners, veterans, active service men and women, teachers, trash collectors — the many people who make our city beautiful each day. There won’t be another 250th year. This much-anticipated milestone is more than a once-in-a-lifetime celebration; it is a call to propel our country to not only appreciate what our founding fathers fought for 250 years ago, but also to translate that gratitude into meaningful and concrete preparations for the journey of the next 250 years. The Laurel Inner Space recommends the following free online resources for brushing up on history: Hillsdale College’s k-12 history and civics curriculum: tinyurl. com/mu4hrd62; PragerU’s videos on the Constitution at tinyurl.com/46ker7cd; Great Courses on Kanopy (kanopy.com), which are available free through membership with The Laurel Branch Library.. Agnes Pasco Conaty is a college math and environmental science adjunct professor.
Managing Editor for The Laurel Independent Sought Streetcar Suburbs Publishing is seeking a managing editor for this newspaper, The Laurel Independent. The managing editor is responsible for connecting story ideas with writers and photographers, editing copy as it comes in, monitoring beats, and attending city events as needed.
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January 2026 | The Laurel Independent
LaurelIndependent.com | Page 3
City looks to increase affordable housing By JOE MURCHISON Laurel’s mayor and City Council are working to amend an affordable-housing law to require more housing developers to sell homes at below-market rates and to change who is eligible to buy those cheaper homes. A family of four with household income between $84,650 and $118,510 would qualify for the cheaper homes under proposed changes. Two currently proposed developments could be among the first affected by any ordinance change: the 293-home Corridor Center at Contee Road and Cherry Lane, which will mostly be townhouses and condominiums, and the 82-townhouse Oaks at Laurel, off Van Dusen Road. Of the total 375 homes, 30 would be affordable units if the new law applies to them. Mayor Keith Sydnor proposed amendments to the two-yearold affordable housing law in November. The council has
The proposed ordinance also would add rules to keep affordable units from being too different from marketprice units: they would have to have similar architecture, design and color; be built with the same materials; have at least 80% of the interior space of market units; and have no fewer bedrooms or bathrooms.
been debating changes to the draft in several meetings since. Those deliberations will continue at a council work session Jan. 7 and at meetings with public hearings on Jan. 12 and 26.
WHAT DOES THE CURRENT LAW SAY? Currently the law requires developers of 50 or more detached homes, townhouses or condominiums to designate at least 8% of those homes as affordable units. To qualify to buy them, buyers must have an income that is no more than 60% of the federally calculated Area Median Income (AMI), which varies by family size. Right now the AMI is $169,300 in Prince George’s County for a family of four. That means currently, any family of four with an income of $101,580 or lower would qualify. Developers must sell the affordable homes at a price that is at least 70% below a marketrate price. This is a wording mistake in the current law, be-
cause the previous mayor and City Council intended to set the price at 30% below market rate.
WHAT MIGHT THE NEW LAW SAY? The new law will clarify the reduction in price of affordable homes to be 30%, not 70%. That would mean, for instance, that if homes in a new development sold for $500,000, the affordable housing units would be priced at no more than $350,000. As of mid-December, the mayor and council were looking at lowering the threshold size of developments subject to the law, so that developers building 20 homes or more, rather than 50 or more, would have to designate 8% affordable units. They were also looking at raising the income cutoff to 70% of AMI, rather than 60%. At the same time, people making lower than 50% of AMI – who therefore might not have enough income to pay for necessary upkeep – would be excluded.
The proposed ordinance would keep the current 8% as the proportion of units in a development that must be designated as affordable housing. The proposed ordinance also would add rules to keep affordable units from being too different from market-price units: they would have to have similar architecture, design and color; be built with the same materials; have at least 80% of the interior space of market units; and have no fewer bedrooms or bathrooms. Also, the affordable units would have to be dispersed throughout the development, rather than be clumped together. The ordinance would prohibit owners of affordable units from renting them out and, for 30 years, would cap the price at which the owners could sell the units. The council is working on how to calculate that cap, taking into consideration inflation and any money the owner spends to maintain or improve the home.
Maryland's 21st District Delegation
Laurel’s State Legislators - Standing Up for Working Families!
nd Join Us on February 2 to Celebrate Joseline! U r ry
Our annual Annapolis dinner reception is Monday, February 2nd, 6-8 pm, at Market House, 25 Market Space in Annapolis. Reserve a seat on our bus from Laurel when you RSVP. We hope you’ll join us for good food and fellowship — and to congratulate new House Speaker, our Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk! RSVP: Visit bit.ly/21stDistrictNight2026 or call (240) 712-4646.
Page 4 | LaurelIndependent.com
The Laurel Independent | January 2026
FROM WHERE I STAND
WSSC water main work unsafe By PAUL GENTILE I would like to applaud the independent report of engineering firm WSP regarding the WSSC’s 48-Inch Patuxent Raw Water Main Project – BF1582E91 The report, with its 19 scath-
ing recommendations and its identification of four needed major system management improvements, is an indictment of WSSC’s processes, management, and governance. These recommendations point to a lack of leadership and inept-
ness that requires replacement of current business practices and senior staff. All these issues point to a system that has little, if any, accountability to other governmental entities and to the public at large. Recently, two water-main
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breaks occurred on Bond Mill Road starting on November 9, 2025. One was quickly addressed, while the repair of the other exposed many of the failings articulated in the report. This second leak exposed where the raw water main, which carries contaminated non-potable water, runs over the potable water. If the non-potable water main breaks, the community’s drinking supply could be contaminated. As a result of these recent issues and after reading the report, I am personally demanding: 1. A written apology to the community for the devastating and continuing impact upon the community; 2. A plan with a budget to institute all the report’s recommendations and fix the colocation of potable and non-potable water lines; 3. Have state legislators propose legislation to transfer WSSC governance from the counties to
another entity because current governance by the counties is simply not working; 4. The resignation of the current general manager. These kinds of practices have to stop. They are time consuming, costly and present a clear and present danger and risk to drinking water. Accountability comes from the top. Let’s start there. Paul Gentile, who can be reached at paulgentile5@aol.com, is a West Laurel resident concerned about the quality of the work done on the local water main. The report he refers to is available at tinyurl.com/mr62a4fy. The WSSC is holding a budget hearing Jan. 27, 7pm, at the WSSC Water Support Center Auditorium, 14501 Sweitzer Lane, Laurel. The views expressed in this column belong to its author. The Laurel Independent reserves the right to edit “From Where I Stand” submissions for brevity and clarity.
These recommendations point to a lack of leadership and ineptness that requires replacement of current business practices and senior staff.
January 2026 | The Laurel Independent
LaurelIndependent.com | Page 5
CRIME WATCH See separate article, p. 7, for Dec. 21 vehicle break-ins. This report includes incidents reported by the Laurel police department between Nov. 18 and Dec. 18, as well as incidents in December at Laurel addresses outside the city reported by the Prince George’s County police.
ROBBERIES 12/2 - 13600 blk Baltimore Ave (two suspects) 12/14 - 14900 blk Fourth St (at gunpoint)
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS 11/26 - Montgomery St / Ninth St (pedestrian hospitalized) 12/1 - 300 blk Domer Ave (pedestrian hospitalized)
STOLEN VEHICLES 11/19 - 69010 blk Andersons Way (Honda) 11/19 - 15400 blk Laurelton Dr (Kia) 11/23 - 6900 blk Andersons Way (Acura) 11/26 - 7800 blk Contee Rd (Dodge) 11/26 - 1 blk Woodland Ct (Dodge)
11/26 - 1 blk Washington Blvd ( Jeep) 11/29 - 100 blk Woodland Ct (BMW) 12/1 - 15000 blk Cherrywood Dr (Infiniti) 12/5 - 100 blk Lafayette Ave (Toyota) 12/11 - 8200 blk Harvest Bend Ln (Chevy) 12/12 - 900 blk Nichols Dr (Acura) 12/13 – 8800 blk Hawthorne Lane 12/15 - 14900 blk Fourth St (Hyundai) 12/18 - 100 blk Sharon Ct (Infiniti) 12/18 - 30 blk Washington Blvd ( Jeep) 12/20 – 8900 blk Cherry La (Hyundai) 12/26 – 6300 blk Julie Pl ( Jetta) 12/28 – 9500 blk Muirkirk Rd – 2 cars (Honda, Infiniti)
VEHICLE BREAK-INS 11/18 - 800 blk Eighth St 11/19 - 14700 blk Baltimore Ave 11/25 - 14000 blk Westmeath Dr 11/27 - 1 blk Woodland Ct
11/27 - 7800 blk Contee Rd 11/30 - 9400 blk Spring House Ln 12/1 - 14900 blk Cherrywood Dr 12/9 - 9600 blk Fort Meade Rd (tools stolen) 12/10 - 300 blk Washington Blvd 12/10 - 9600 blk Fort Meade Rd (purse stolen) 12/14 - 14600 blk Shiloh Ct 12/15 - 900 blk Montrose Ave 12/17 - 14800 blk Baltimore Ave (purse stolen) 12/17 - 6900 blk Andersons Way (steering wheel airbag stolen) 12/19 7300 blk Calico Rock Ldgn 12/22 14700 blk Bowie Rd 12/24 9500 blk Muirkirk Rd (Toyota rims) 12/29 – 13000 blk Old Stagecoach Rd (parts stolen off vehicle) 12/30 – 9500 blk Muirkirk Rd (airbags from 2 Hondas)
ATTEMPTED VEHICLE THEFT 11/18 - 700 blk Montrose Ave 12/5 - 14900 blk Cherrywood Dr
PACKAGE THEFT 11/18 - 7800 blk Contee Rd 12/1 - 800 blk Fifth St 12/2 - 800 blk Fifth St 12/7 - 800 blk Fifth St 12/9 - 14700 blk Fourth St 12/13 - 14700 blk Fourth St 12/17 - 14700 blk Fourth St
REGISTRATION PLATE THEFT 11/24 - 80 blk Fifth St 11/26 - 800 blk Fifth St 11/30 - 800 blk Fifth St 12/5 - 14700 blk Philip Ct 12/9 - 14100 blk William St 12/16 - 6900 blk Andersons Way 12/17 - 6900 blk Andersons Way
THEFT - OTHER 11/19 - 800 blk Fifth St (purse) 11/21 - 15100 blk Baltimore Ave (bookbag) 11/26 - 800 blk Fifth St (cellphone) 11/29 - 14100 blk Baltimore Ave (electronics) 12/8 - 1 blk Second St ( four tires) 12/11 - 14100 blk Baltimore Ave (purse)
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12/12 - 9100 blk Scott Adam Ct (clothing) 12/12 - 800 blk Fifth St (ATM) 12/12 - 800 blk Fifth St (cellphone) 12/13 - 800 blk Washington Blvd ( food items) 12/18 - 7500 blk Contee Rd (electronics)
BURGLARY – BUSINESS 11/19 - 14700 blk Baltimore Ave (suspect arrested) 12/16 - 14800 blk Baltimore Ave (vacant business)
BURGLARY – RESIDENTIAL 11/25 - 600 blk Main St (vacant residence) 12/18 - 900 blk Montrose Ave 12/18 - 1000 blk Marton St
OTHER 12/2 - 7100 blk Virginia Manor Ct (stolen BMW recovered) City police also reported 33 cases of shoplifting and five cases of driving under the influence. The Laurel Independent used AI to help organize data received from the Laurel police.
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Page 6 | LaurelIndependent.com
The Laurel Independent | January 2026
NEWS BRIEFS
FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, VISIT LAURELINDEPENDENT.COM We did it! Thanks to the 250 generous readers who helped us ring in the new year by meeting our year-end goal of raising $20,000. That money will be matched, thanks to local supporters who created a pool of matching funds, and then matched again by NewsMatch, a national movement to support independent public service journalism. We feel privileged to support Laurel residents by providing local news and information, and honored to be entrusted with your donations. We will do our best to use them to strengthen and connect communities in Laurel. We ask for your continued support; be it financial, or via news tips, photo submissions, or volunteer writing and reporting. Secret Service to build on 43 acres of forest in Laurel. The U.S. Secret Service is proposing to build what it refers to as a defense training facility on a 43-acre site adjoining its James J. Rowley Training Center at 9200 Powder Mill Road, east of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. The training center is south of the South Laurel Drive and Snowden Pond neighborhoods in South Laurel, near the Patuxent Research Refuge. A notice posted by the U.S. Corps of Engineers said the 43 acres are currently treecovered. Maps accompanying the notice show proposed
buildings, roads, and a north and south lawn. The notice does not describe the exact function of the facility. The notice said that citizens have till Jan. 8 to submit written comments on the proposal, or request a public hearing. Comments can be sent electronically to Kristen Rigney at kristen.l.rigney@ usace.army.mil, or be mailed to Commander, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, Attention: Kristen Rigney, 2 Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore, MD 21202. New Maryland speaker of the house represents Laurel. Maryland Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (District 21) was sworn in on Dec. 16 as the 109th Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates. Peña-Melnyk, a Democrat and the second woman and first Afro-Latina to lead the House of Delegates, lives in College Park Woods and has served as a state District 21 delegate since taking office in January 2007. District 21 includes College Park, Beltsville, Adelphi and parts of Laurel and Greenbelt, as well as part of Anne Arundel County. Peña-Melnyk, who ran unopposed for the role of speaker, said “this chamber’s strength has never depended on unanimous agreement,” noting she intends to collaborate with both Democrats and Republicans.
Peña-Melnyk reminded her colleagues and others who witnessed the ceremony, “My journey did not begin in these chambers. It began in the Dominican Republic in a small wooden house with a tin roof, one with holes where the rain will come through. When it rained, my family would place pots and pans around the house to catch the falling drops.” Later she added, “This moment belongs not just to me, but to every child catching rain in a pot.” Peña-Melnyk said she has lived in Maryland for over 30 years. She has worked as a prosecutor, public defender, and child neglect lawyer, according to Maryland Matters. In 2003, she won her seat on the College Park City Council, where she served until she became a member of the General Assembly in 2007. Laurel High singers win $5,000. The Laurel High Spartan Singers won $5,000 for the school’s music program as winners of a Christmas Choir Competition held by 97.1 WASH-FM radio. The choir entered the contest with a rendition of “The Carol of the Bells.” WASH-FM posted their carol, along with those of five other BaltimoreWashington area high schools,
HOMELESS FROM PAGE 1
Save My Black Soul January 16 February 1 508 Main St., Laurel Purchase tickets at
www.laurelmillplayhouse.org
have passed and for people who are presently unhoused. We must continue working toward a city where everyone has a home.” LeBlanc said about three unhoused individuals died in Laurel over the past year, though the city does not maintain independent statistics on its unhoused population. Instead, homelessness data is captured through the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a county-level survey mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. According to 2024 data from the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development, 658 individuals experienced homelessness countywide, a 47% increase from 2019. That figure included 292 adults and 220 children. Those numbers perhaps began to stabilize in 2025, with 608 people, including 223 chil-
and invited listeners to vote for the best. As winner, the Spartan Singers were invited to perform at “Miracle on 34th Street, the Musical” at Capital One Hall in Tyson’s Corner on Dec. 27. Son charged with killing mother. Prince George’s County police announced first-degree murder charges against 22-year-old Laurel resident Fredy Grijalva-Hernandez after the death of his mother on Dec. 27. Police said officers responded for a welfare check to a home in the 8100 block of Gorman Avenue about 11:50 p.m. and found 44-year-old Maria Hernandez-Gonzalez suffering from trauma. She died despite attempts to revive her, and the officers arrested Grijalva-Hernandez at the scene without incident, police reported A preliminary investigation revealed the suspect had been in a dispute with his mother, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers at www.pgcrimesolvers.com or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous. They should refer to case number 25-0071591. Dernoga secures $70,000 for nonprofit food distribution. According to a Dec. 12 press
release from County Councilmember Tom Dernoga (District 1), he has secured $70,000 in grants to area nonprofits to provide food for residents in need in District 1. The grants are as follows: Elizabeth House/Fish of Laurel, Inc.: $20,000; Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services: $15,000; Beltsville Adventist Community Center: $15,000; Faith Village of Greater Laurel, Inc.: $10,000; College Park Community Food Bank: $10,000. Sharon Gibbs Cooper completed the University of Maryland Emerging Leaders program Dec. 2, as part of a class of 37 participants. Cooper, a Laurel resident and senior faculty specialist and case management software manager at the University of Maryland, is co-chair of the Prince George’s Health Equity Work Group. She is also a member of the University of Maryland Medical Systems Capital Region Laurel Campus Community Advisory Board, the Prince George’s County Health Coalition and US. Congressman Glenn Ivey’s Reentry Community Advisory Board. The UMD emerging leaders program is a professional development program for those who are leaders in their careers and communities.
For more information about the Multiservice Center, call or visit 301974-3010 204 Fort Meade Road Laurel, MD 20707
dren, experiencing homelessness in Prince George’s County. These statistics do not include unincorporated portions of Laurel in Anne Arundel County and Howard County. Earlier this month, Howard County broke ground on a 16,000-square-foot, 22-room facility in North Laurel to serve its unhoused population. LeBlanc said statistics alone do not capture the full scope of the issue. Because the unhoused population is often transient, individuals using the Multiservice Center may not be Laurel residents, making accurate tracking difficult. “I can pretty much guarantee you the number is higher than
what’s being reported,” LeBlanc said. “It’s difficult to capture those numbers when someone is unhoused.” Still, advocates said facilities like the Multiservice Center play a critical role in preventing future deaths and creating a safe space for those experiencing homelessness. “At any given time, there are people around us living paycheck to paycheck — one accident, one unexpected event away from homelessness,” said Phillip Ott, president of Taking Care of Our Neighbors, which operates the center’s shelter. “What we try to do is provide a safety net for those men and women who have no place to go.”
THE
LAURELL LEDGER LAURE OFFICIAL NEWS FROM THE CITY OF LAUREL, MARYLAND
VOL. 5, NO. 1
JANUARY 2026
TOGETHER WE CAN! CITY OF LAUREL 2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS CITY COUNCIL OFFICE Provided input and approved revisions to the City Charter and Code regarding Election laws. Contributed to and authorized a Council Social Media policy for elected officials. Drafted amendments to the City’s Organics and Recycling laws. OFFICE OF THE CLERK Oversaw the City’s project for digitizing paper records, collaborating with Fire Marshal and Permit Services and the Laurel Police Department to scan their documents. Worked with the Board of Election Supervisors, as well as the Mayor and City Council, to draft amendments to the City Charter and Code related to elections. Successfully organized and carried out the 2025 General Election for the City of Laurel. Developed processes and procedures for the City’s Archiving Program. Planned and implemented a reorganization and inventory of the City’s Archive Room. Worked with various Departments on edits to Retention Schedules and submitted to the Maryland State Archivist for approval. OFFICE OF THE CITY ADMINISTRATOR Maintained partnerships between City Departments and the Laurel Community in areas such as volunteering, budgeting, economic associations, community engagement, and life safety solutions. City Administrator Christian Pulley awarded Maryland Daily Record’s Top 100 Women in Maryland Award. Welcomed new Deputy City Administrator, Nekesa Matlock, in August. BUDGET AND PERSONNEL SERVICES
Implemented Human Resources Policy updates. Created standardized forms to streamline the budget request process. Established procedures for managing risks related to parade and public assembly permits, as well as City Contractors. Implemented program to get workers compensation employees back to work sooner. Renewed the DROP program for five years and instituted a PNC Employee Financial Wellness Program.
LAUREL POLICE DEPARTMENT Enhanced the Drone Program to improve search and evidence capture capabilities, as well as prioritizing officer safety. Delivered exceptional protection during the 2025 Main Street Festival, where two major critical incidents - a gas tank explosion and a vehicle breaching a closed roadway - preventing injuries to thousands of attendees, apprehended the driver involved, and executed rapid evacuations that protected residents and unquestionably saved lives. Established a support system focused on the mental and emotional resilience of officers and staff, providing necessary resources, care and support they need to thrive. EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT Led the comprehensive update of all City Departmental Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plans, strengthening our readiness and resilience. Hosted 11 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) trainings for City staff and partner agencies, expanding our community’s capacity to respond effectively during activations. Delivered seven AED/CPR trainings for City employees and two public training sessions, equipping participants with life-saving skills and increasing community preparedness. SUSTAINABILITY Completed the City’s first Sustainability Plan, passed by Resolution No. 6-2025 in July and created Sustainability Action Groups to move forward with Community Framework initiatives. Awarded multiple grants that enabled the City to provide free rain barrels to residents and purchase Bigbelly solar composting carts for the condo communities at Laurel Lakes. Created “2026 Guide to Sustainability and Public Works Services,” and expanded the Farmer’s Market hours to October and hosted a special market event at Greenview community. Page 1
PUBLIC WORKS The City resurfaced and improved sidewalks, curbs, and traffic control devices on three major streets (Lafayette Ave, First St, Cypress St) and six minor streets (Saratoga Ave, Stanley Pl, Morton Pl, Sowden Pl, Ward St, Northview Ct), while also patching Mulberry Street and Fairlawn Ave. Nearly 2,500 tons of asphalt paving were installed in 2025. In December 2025, the City and the Federal Highway Administration signed a grant agreement for $451,200 to create a Safety Action Plan aimed at achieving the City’s Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities. Greatly improved the appearance of the City with the collection of three to five cubic yards of debris by the City’s sweeper. PARKS AND RECREATION
Recognized and celebrated the Department’s 60th Anniversary. Completed major renovations to the two pools to include sustainable lighting, energy efficient windows and low flow water fixtures. A majority of the Departmental classes, programs, and special events exceeded revenue and attendance projections. Acquired and expanded our maintenance yard complex.
HUMAN SERVICES
Served over 13,000 visitors with 6,000+ meals and essential services through community partnerships, with critical wraparound services to individuals and families in need. Successfully hosted the first annual toy drive, benefiting 150 children, and a Thanksgiving meal prepared by Celebrity Chef Razia Sabour for 200 community members . Revitalized the Helping Hands Program to expand access to adult and youth counseling services, enhancing mental health and emotional support resources for the community.
COMMUNICATIONS Expanded growth and outreach of the Laurel Living Newsletter which was awarded the Municipal Achievement Award by the Maryland Municipal League. Increased programming opportunities for Laurel TV by securing several paid, annual memberships. Gained more than 2-thousand followers on Facebook, more than 700 new viewers on Instagram, while also gaining thousands of new viewers by adding YouTube Shorts to our social media platforms. Held comprehensive training for City Council members to better utilize and promote their work on behalf of residents through social media. FIRE MARSHAL AND PERMIT SERVICES
Reconstructed our soil and erosion program to include Public Works. Completed 4,482 inspections this year. Conducted 133 Use and Occupancy inspections this year.
ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT In partnership with the Office of the Mayor, initiated the Returning Citizens Grant Program to support businesses with their workforce and returning citizens with opportunities. Corridor Center Final Site Plan approved using Mixed Use-Transit Zoning, including 20 homes for sale with price indexed to Area Median Income. Served small businesses and supported residents with events like Small Business Saturday, Small Business Workshops, Business (in partnership with the Laurel Board of Trade) and Equity Roundtables, a Financial Workshop, and a Resource Housing Fair. OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHONOLOGY
Launched the Laurel Connectivity Initiative to proactively engage in supporting residents with cellular coverage and internet availability issues. Upgraded Laurel Police in-car equipment for improved coordination and safer operations. Expanded and improved City-owned network infrastructure through additional City facilities, reducing reliance on third parties and expanding wireless access and security coverage.
The Mayor, City Council, and City Staff eagerly anticipate the New Year and the exciting oppor tunities it brings! We remain committed to working together with the Laurel community to ensure its continued prosperity! Happy New Year! Page 2
City of Laurel Legislation
Listed below are recent legislative actions taken, if any, by the Laurel City Council during the past month of Mayor and City Council meetings. For further information on any of these legislative actions, please feel free to contact the Office of the City Clerk at 301-725-5300 x2121 or at clerk@laurel.md.us. For the full agendas, visit www.cityoflaurel.org.
Adopted Legislation:
Resolution No. 12-2025 - to Alter the Membership of the City of Laurel Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration Planning Executive Committee
Closed Session:
Possible Adjournment to Closed Session Under the Open Meetings Act General Provisions Section 3-305 (b) (7) to consult with counsel to obtain legal advice and Section 3-305 (b) (8) to consult with counsel about pending or potential litigation.
Government Meetings (Dates and Times Subject to Change)
January 2026 Mayor and City Council Meetings January 7th - Virtual Special Meeting (5:30pm) and Work Session (6:00pm) January 12th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm) January 26th - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm) January 2026 Boards and Commissions January 13th - Planning Commission (CANCELLED) January 20th - In-Person Historic District Commission (6:00pm) January 22nd - Board of Appeals (CANCELLED) February 2026 Mayor and City Council Meetings February 4th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Work Session (6:00pm) February 9th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm) February 23rd - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm) February 2026 Boards and Commissions February 10th - Planning Commission (CANCELLED) February 17th - Historic District Commission (6:00pm) February 26th - Board of Appeals (CANCELLED)
Lots of Volunteer Opportunities coming up! Join us on January 19th for our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service event! To sign up to receive notifications for other volunteer opportunities, click on the QR Code!
City Announcements and Events (Dates and Times Subject to Change)
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - January 19th - City/Passport Offices Closed. Visit www.cityoflaurel.org/calendars for adjusted collection details.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service - January 19th - 10am - 2pm - Laurel Multiservice Center (Gym), 204 Ft. Meade Road. Call 301-7255300 ext. 2109 for volunteer opportunities.
FREE Indoor Movie - “Lilo & Stitch (2025)” - January 23rd - 7pm, Partnership Activity Center, 811 5th Street.
Sustainability Plan Year in Review - January 29th - 6pm, Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road. RSVP mblair@laurel.md.us.
Family Valentine’s Day Brunch - February 7th - 9am Sharp, The Mansion at Laurel, 13910 Laurel Lakes Avenue. Registration required. Visit www.cityoflaurel.org/parks.
Black History Month Celebration - TBD. Stay tuned for more information.
Presidents’ Day Holiday - February 16th - City/Passport Offices Closed. Visit www.cityoflaurel.org/calendars for adjusted collection details.
FREE Indoor Movie - “Elio” - February 20th - 7pm, Partnership Activity Center, 811 5th Street.
To learn more or register for Parks and Recreation Classes/Events, visit www.cityoflaurel.org/parks or call 301-725-7800.
Senior Services provides recreational and leisure opportunities at multiple locations throughout the city, as well as exciting trips. Call 301-776-6168.
Visit the City of Laurel web site at www.cityoflaurel.org, to learn more about happenings in our city!
Page 3
Virtual Work Session6pm
Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting6pm
Planning Commission– CANCELLED
Presidents’ Day City Offices Closed
Historic District Commission6pm
Monday Collections moved to Tuesday.
Tuesday Collections moved to Wednesday.
Family Valentine’s Day Brunch 9am Call 301-725-7800 to register. 13910 Laurel Lakes Ave.
Free Indoor Movie 811 5th St. - 7pm “Elio” No Change to Wed/ Thurs/Fri Collections.
In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting- 6pm
Board of Appeals– CANCELLED
PUBLIC WORKS
301-725-0088
CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE . PLACE ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR.
CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE. PLACE ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR.
Public Works Monthly Glance
DPW@laurel.md.us
Emergency Management: Is Your Vehicle Winter Ready?
CITY CONTACTS www.cityoflaurel.org Page 4
MAYOR’S OFFICE
CITY ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE
LAUREL POLICE
301-725-5300 ext. 2125
301-725-5300 ext. 2242
Non-Emerg: 301-498-0092 Emerg: 301-725-3000
laurelmayor@ laurel.md.us
cadmin@ laurel.md.us
lpd@ laurel.md.us
PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMUNICATIONS
301-725-7800
301-725-5300 Ext. 2208
parks@ laurel.md.us
laurelpio@ laurel.md.us
January 2026 | The Laurel Independent
LaurelIndependent.com | Page 7
More than 40 vehicles State’s attorney lists priorities broken into Dec. 20-21 By JOE MURCHISON
By JOE MURCHISON Dozens of residents in the Laurel area discovered the morning of Dec. 21 that their cars had been broken into overnight, in many cases with windows smashed. Laurel city police reported 45 vehicles had been entered, mostly in the Laurel Lakes area. Many of the break-ins occurred in the 8300 and 8400 blocks of Ashford Boulevard, 14300 block of Oxford Drive, 7900 block of Laurel Lakes Court and 8200 block of Harvest Bend Lane, police said. Prince George’s County police reported that on the same night multiple vehicles were broken into on Park Hall Drive and Maple Terrace in West Laurel, and in the 11700 block of Laurel Bowie Road in South Laurel. A resident of Park Hall Drive wrote on a neighborhood listserve, “Three cars were broken into, windows were smashed. My daughter is a victim too on Park Hall Drive West. This has never happened on our street for the last 24 yrs we have stayed here.” Laurel city police Chief Russ Hamill urged vehicle owners, “Lock your doors, remove your
valuables and park in a welllighted area.” He also said owners also should make sure their car alarms work, and should report any suspicious activity they observe. Hamill said the thieves often appear to be teenagers or young men in their early 20s. He said the juvenile justice system needs changes to help police fight this kind of crime. “When they get to court, they’re not being made accountable for their actions,” he said. In May, Hamill had complained publicly about the release of a teenager to the custody of his parents after Laurel police charged him in connection with more than 50 vehicle break-ins in the city and dozens more in surrounding counties, all in one night. Hamill also said current state law doesn’t allow police to interview juvenile defendants. He said that this keeps police from potentially identifying others involved in a crime and from obtaining information that might help recover stolen items. “If just a couple of these guys were held accountable,” he said he believed that the rate of vehicle break-ins would drop significantly.
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CANCEL ANYTIME
The new state’s attorney of Prince George’s County, Tara Jackson, dropped by Laurel on Dec. 9 as part of a county tour to introduce herself to citizens, hear their concerns and talk about scam dangers. At the meeting in the West Laurel Community Building, Jackson noted that she had been appointed by county Circuit Court judges in June to fill the term of her predecessor, Aisha Braveboy, who won a special election that month to become county executive. Jackson has a lengthy resume in the county, serving as top assistant to Angela Alsobrooks when she was state’s attorney, acting as Alsobrooks’ chief administrative officer when she was county executive, and serving as acting county executive from Dec 2024 to June 2025 after Alsobrooks left to become a U.S. senator. Jackson said one of her top priorities as the county’s head prosecutor was reducing violent crime. She said the trends are positive, with homicides, for instance, down 40% from last year. Domestic violence is a particular concern, she said. “There’s so much violence that happens behind closed doors.” “We’ve got some good police forces in Prince George’s County,” she said, adding that police had a “phenomenal” record of closing cases. She noted, for example, that county police had taken only one day to arrest a suspect after a fatal shooting in a food court at the MGM National Harbor casino on Dec. 3. Jackson said another of her priorities is “youth accountability. … Our young people in Prince George’s County have to know
State’s Attorney Tara Jackson. JOE MURCHISON
they have to deal with the consequences of their actions.” She said her office is launching a school truancy program, studying factors that lead to school non-attendance and providing wrap-around services for chronic truants. “We know chronic truancy leads to juvenile delinquency and juvenile delinquency leads to adult crime,” she said. She discussed scamming issues, noting that her over-80year-old mother “is being targeted every week by scams” over the telephone. Often the thieves impersonate government agencies or financial institutions, she said. “We need to take the time to think and pause and confirm” the validity of such calls, Jackson said. “It’s okay to be rude. They like to keep you talking. … Don’t engage with them. Hang up.” Agencies and financial institutions never ask a person for money over the
phone, she noted. She said hanging up is especially important in the age of artificial intelligence, now that scammers can record a few sentences of a person speaking and create a message in the person’s voice to scam family members. Many in the audience of about 20 people described scam attempts they had experienced. For instance, one couple said they had just discovered the previous day a Medicare scam in which a company had filed $7,000 in claims for catheters they purportedly had purchased. Medicare had approved partial payment for the claims by the time the couple had contacted Medicare’s fraud department. Jackson agreed that Medicare is a frequent target of fraud. “These scams are more and more sophisticated, and these people are professionals,” she said.
Check out our website! Get up-to-date local news all through the month with the Laurel Independent’s website — and don’t forget to visit our events calendar!
LaurelIndependent.com
Page 8 | LaurelIndependent.com
The Laurel Independent | January 2026
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Find more local events all month long in our continuously updated online calendar at streetcarsuburbs.news/events. Please send notices of events taking place between Feb. 3 and March 5 to kit@streetcarsuburbs. news by Jan. 20.
JAN. 10 New Year, New You, New Space: Life-Changing Organization Strategies for Home and Beyond. Workshop offering practical strategies for decluttering, downsizing and creating more functional, stress-free environments. 11a.m. to 12p.m. Free. Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St.
JAN. 14 Black History Month Exhibition Opening. Celebrate Black History Month with this annual showcase of diverse talents of regional artists. Featured artwork will highlight African Americans’ lives, stories, and experiences through painting, drawing, photography, and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibit runs through March 1, public reception on Feb. 20. 9652 Montpelier Arts Center, Muikirk Road.
JAN. 16 “Save My Black Soul.” Opening night of play set during the
Golden Age of Hollywood about a young, struggling AfricanAmerican actor determined to start a New York City theater to mold the next generation of up-and-coming actors of color. Tickets $20; $15. for children, seniors, military. 8p.m. Weekends through Feb. 1. Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St. laurelmillplayhouse.org.
JAN. 20 Seventh Street Ravelutionaries crocheting and knitting group. Bring your project and exchange tips ideas and conversation. 6:30p.m. to 8p.m. Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St. Veterans Dinner and Book Group. Active service members and veterans of all eras are invited to join this monthly small-group reading and discussion dinner series centered around books which relate to military experiences or offer a veteran’s perspective. Ages 18 and up. Free; registration required. 7 to 9 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muikirk Road. For more information and to register, call 301.377.7800
JAN 23 Free Friday Indoor Movie - Lilo & Stitch. 7:00pm. Partnership Activity Center, 811 5th Street.
FEB. 3 AND 10 Book discussion and film screening: Percival Everett’s novel Erasure and film adaptation American Fiction. Novel and film explore and skewer Black stereotypes in fiction and racism in the publishing industry. 2-part event; book discussion Feb. 3 and film viewing Feb. 10. Ages 18 and up. Free. 7 to 9p.m. Montpelier Arts Center. 9652 Muirkirk Rd. For more information, call 410.409.6291 or email Beth.Crisman@pgparks. com
FEB. 7 Film Screening: “Amazing Grace.” A must-see for fans of Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. Documentary Franklin recording her live album, “Amazing Grace,” with an assembled choir, in 1972. Free. 2 to 5 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muikirk Road. For more information, call 410.409.6291 or email Beth. Crisman@pgparks.com
ONGOING Second Friday Senior Book Club. February’s selection is “The Lion Women of Tehran,” by Marjan Kamali, and the March selection is “The Black Angel,” by Maria Smilios. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St. For more information, call or text Gail Gibson at 301.452.7700 or email book62worm@hotmail. com
LAUREL SQUIRREL By Agnes Pasco Conaty
January at the Hollingsworth Gallery. “In the Galapagos Islands,” an exhibit of wildlife photographer David Jonathan Cohen’s work, with a print-sale fundraiser for Friends of the Patuxent. Patuxent Research Refuge South Tract, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop. 301.497.5772
“I’m burying my favorite pine cone as part of 250th time capsule.”
RECURRING
WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN BECAUSE SOMEONE DRINKS TOO MUCH There is hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics in Al-Anon. Al-Anon Family Groups, call 1-888-425-2666 (1-888-4AL-ANON) Al-Anon.org
Alanon Ads.indd 1
Kids’ Discovery Center. Crafts, puzzles, games, nature exploration. January’s theme is otters; February focuses on field mice and voles. Ages 3 to 10, w/adult. Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon (35-minute time slots, on-hour). Patuxent Research Refuge South Tract, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop. 301.497.5772
7/13/25 3:38 PM
Ready to Read Storytime. Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (ages 2 to 3), Wednesdays at 7 p.m. (ages 3 to 5) and Thursdays at 10:30 and 11:15 a.m. (ages 0 to 2). Reservations not required. Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St. ASL Conversation Club for Beginners. 4p.m. Wednesdays at Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St. Family Fun at Patuxent. Winter wildlife: Even when we don’t see animals in winter, we can find signs that they’re around. Ages 3 and up; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday for drop-in/independent exploration. Staffed from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 17 and 18. Patuxent Research Refuge South Tract, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop. “Wingspan” Game Day. Play the board game “Wingspan” and learn about birds. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 9 and 24. No experience needed. Games provided (personal sets welcomed). Patuxent Research Refuge South Tract, 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop. Registration required. Go to tinyurl.com/5n8thbe2 or call 301.497.5772 Italian Club welcomes all on the second Wednesday of each month. 6:30 p,m, St. Mary of the Mills Church, 114 St. Marys Pl. Call Jo Saunders at 301.490.8237 Chess. All levels welcome. Thursdays. 2 p.m. LaurelBeltsville Senior Activity Center, 7120 Contee Rd. Call Mike Farmer at 240.302.9133 Every Tuesday Bingo at Laurel Elks Lodge #2283. Twenty games with cash prizes; food and drinks available for purchase. Doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo starts at 7 p.m. 8261 Brock Bridge Rd. Every Tuesday Bingo. Hosted by the Laurel Senior Friendship Club. Free admission; fee for cards. Doors open at 11 a.m. and bingo starts at noon. Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activities Center, 7120 Contee Rd. 301.206.3380 Every Friday Bingo at American Legion Post 60. Friday night bingo every week; 23 games with cash prizes; food
and drinks available for purchase. Doors open at 5 p.m. and bingo starts at 7:30. 2 Main St. 301.725.2302 Friday Food Festival. American Legion Post 60 hosts Friday dinners, with Canteen 60 serving on 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 Laurel Senior Friendship Club. Meets the second Wednesday of each month; program includes a business meeting and musical entertainment or a speaker. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. LaurelBeltsville Senior Activities Center, 7120 Contee Rd. 301.206.3380 Jim Whitney Toastmasters Club. Meets the second and fourth Monday of each month. 7 p.m. St. Phillips Episcopal Church, 522 Main St. For more information, email contact-1063187@ toastmastersclubs.org
FOOD PANTRIES, DISTRIBUTIONS St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. Food distributions in partnership with Capital Area Food Bank. Third Sunday of every month, from 9 a.m. to noon. Sixth and Prince George Sts. Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services. Food pantry is open by appointment Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Monday evenings from 5 to 7:30 p.m. 311 Laurel Ave. For an appointment, call 301.776.0442 Fish of Laurel Food Pantry. Thursdays and Saturdays, from 10:15 a.m. to noon, 308 Gorman Ave. Call 240.547.9013 Living Hope Church Distributions. Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 613 Montgomery St. Call 301.497.6424 St. Mary of the Mills Food Pantry. Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. while supplies last. Kessler Center, 114 St. Mary’s Pl. Call 301.725.3080 Gospel Assembly Church Food Pantry. 8740 Cherry Lane, Suite 12. For dates and times, call 301.605.3756
January 2026 | The Laurel Independent
LaurelIndependent.com | Page 9
NATIVE GARDENING WITH JIMMY
What is a watershed, and why should I care? While rivers come to mind first, your biggest personal impacts will likely be on your own property. Since all the water that lands on your property will eventually reach the river, you have the earliest opportunity to change that water’s fate.
By JIMMY ROGERS
I
f you’ve ever stared at a political map of the United States, it may have occurred to you how arbitrary our borders can seem. Because of long-ago charters and treaties, we root for different sports teams, attend different schools, and divide up along cultural lines. Then again, would any set of lines be more or less arbitrary? In her solarpunk novel, A HalfBuilt Garden, local author Ruthanna Emrys imagines a postindustrial future where nations have fallen and communities have reorganized around how rainwater drains. All the water that drains into a river or other body of water is known as a watershed. Half of Virginia, almost all of Maryland, a large portion of Pennsylvania and sections of Delaware and West Virginia drain into the Chesapeake Bay. These lands and the people on them are collectively responsible for what happens to the bay and all of its tributary rivers. Since water is essential for all life, there is a kind of logic to organizing ourselves around watersheds. In Emrys’ future world, greater Laurel might change very little, as our postmark aligns closely with the watershed of the upper section of the Patuxent River. Then again, if we governed ourselves as one people along the entire Patuxent, all the way to the Chesapeake Bay, quite a lot might change: Our upstream activities have had great impacts on those living downstream. Sediment from rampant construction and toxins from our overburdened sewage systems
My first photo of the Patuxent River, which I took shortly after moving to Laurel. COURTESY OF JIMMY ROGERS
flow toward the lower Patuxent. In fact, the river was the first in the nation ordered for cleanup under the Clean Water Act, in the mid-1980s. However we organize our communities, we should act as good stewards of our watershed. While rivers come to mind first, your biggest personal impacts will likely be on your own property. Since all the water that lands on your property will eventually reach the river, you have the earliest opportunity to change that water’s fate.
The obvious first step is to make sure the water stays clean. You can avoid using pesticides, applying them only if it’s absolutely necessary. Eliminating your use of synthetic fertilizers and making sure you only use the amount of organic fertilizers (like compost and manure) that you need will greatly reduce excess nutrients entering our waterways, which can massively disrupt aquatic life. Also, check to see if your car is leaking oil and, if so, get it fixed. Next, find ways to slow down
the water that lands on your property. Back when much of this land was forested, massive root systems absorbed and filtered rainwater, which eventually refilled our rivers. When water rushes over the land and directly into waterways, it causes erosion and rapidly swells those waterways, speeding up the flow of water. Over time, this excessive speed has straightened out many of our rivers, causing them to flow even faster and further erode their banks. Municipal stormwater systems are designed to manage water from our roads and reduce the impact stormwater can have on nearby streams and rivers. However, our most densely populated areas contain the most impervious surfaces, so their stormwater systems have to handle the most rainfall. As urban areas grow, their stormwater systems often do not. Streets flood, sewage mixes with stormwater, and rivers like the Patuxent become shallower, straighter and more polluted. To best manage the rainwater landing on your property, try to keep it on your property. If you see water rolling off your lawn and into the street, that water is moving too fast. Consider add-
TRAINS FROM PAGE 1
ton his 4-by-8-foot model-train layout. Sutton assumed the layout was worth about $5,000. The friend asked for $200. Sutton, being a nice guy, gave him $400. While setting up the layout in the basement, “I realized that most of the stuff he had given me didn’t work,” Sutton says. So he began to spend time — like 12 hours a day — learning to fix engines, wire electronics and install sensors. He also bought 100 sets of metal wheels and replaced the cars’ plastic ones so that he could get an authentic “clack, clack” sound when the train ran. After his employer gave him
Michael Sutton is working towards a mini-Laurel in his basement. Watch video: tinyurl.com/tinylaureltrain COURTESY OF MICHAEL SUTTON
$700 worth of model buildings and lights as a retirement gift, he tore down his friend’s design and rebuilt an 8-by-12-foot layout. The buildings create a small
town, like Laurel, through which the tracks run. There are houses, a police station, a fire station, a post office, a church, a movie theater, a hospital and, of course,
a train depot similar to Laurel’s. He installed lights in all the buildings, as well as streetlights. Sutton wants the layout to be even more like Laurel, which
ing a native garden to slow the water down and let deep-rooted plants soak it up. The tiny holes that roots make in the soil also help water infiltrate the ground more easily. If you have more than a few inches of water accumulating on your property, you may need some more creative ways to redirect or store water. I recommend reaching out to a certified Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLPro.org) for more help. If you’re interested in learning more about our local watersheds, here are a few resources. First, you can use River Runner to see exactly how a single drop of water would flow from your home to the Chesapeake Bay. (You can check out this tool at tinyurl.com/mr2ned26.) Second, you can check out the 2025 Eco Health Chesapeake Bay report card (which unfortunately graded the Patuxent River as a D). You can find the whole report at tinyurl.com/yvhmk6he. Jimmy Rogers is an avid native gardener in the city of Laurel and owner of Vibrant Gardening LLC.
has been his home for 45 years. He plans to create a facsimile Main Street, and also a second level in the center of his layout to add more tracks and more buildings. His current layout is enough to dazzle family and friends. Even Mayor Keith Sydnor calls Sutton “the train guy” after knocking on Sutton’s door during his campaign and being lured into the basement. Sutton says he has cut down his train time to about four hours a week of tweaking and fine-tuning, plus two hours of actually running his trains and enjoying his lights. “Doing this is not inexpensive,” he said. “You spend a lot of money. You have a lot of fun. I love it.”
Page 10 | LaurelIndependent.com
The Laurel Independent | January 2026
2026 State Legislative Spotlight T
he Maryland General Assembly will be in session from Jan. 14 to April 13. We thought our readers would want to know what their state representatives will be working on, so Streetcar Suburbs Publishing reached out and asked the following four questions: What are your top priorities for this legislative session? What district-specific issues do you plan to take on? How should the state legislature address rising costs, in particular for utilities? How should the state legislature approach school funding this year? Read their responses below.
Senator Jim Rosapepe, District 21 Top priorities. Continuing to protect Maryland working families from the attacks on our livelihoods by the Trump Administration. Federal workers and contractors continue to be laid off. Health insurance, ulility rates, and so many other costs continue to go up. And Trump
keeps attacking our law-abiding immigrant neighbors and cutting aid for hungry and sick people. As I did last session, I’ll work with Governor Wes Moore, Delegates Joseline Peña-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman, and other colleagues to stand up to the Trump attacks with legal actions and grassroots advocacy, as well as doing everything we can to hold down health costs, PEPCO, WGL, and BGE rates, and other price hikes. District-specific issues: With my 21st District teammates, I’ll work to make sure the state continues to invest in improving Route 1, keeps the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center open and green, protects the University of Maryland and local schools from draconian budget cuts, and preserves tax relief and services for senior citizens. Rising costs (particularly utilities): We passed legislation last year to crack down on utility cost overruns and budget padding, as well as to accelerate increased, affordable renewable energy. We also required electric bill rebates to consumers in 2025 and 2026. This session, we need to see how effective these efforts have been and take further action if necessary. I’ll continue
Housecleaning Services Start the new year with a clean home! Call
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240-606-7226
my work with legislators from Maryland and neighboring states to crack down on monopolistic practices by the big electricity companies and to make energyguzzling data centers pay their own way without subsidies from residential ratepayers School funding. We should continue to protect state funding for local schools. This coming year, the state faces a projected budget deficit primarily because of layoffs and rising prices caused by Trump’s attacks on Maryland’s economy. It should not be used as an excuse to cut investment in our local schools.
Delegate Mary Lehman, District 21 Top priorities. I have multiple environmental bills related to flood risk. One requires sellers to disclose whether a property has ever flooded and its projected risk of flooding. Thirty other states have such a law; MD does not. A second bill would be a study of Maryland’s summer camps and RV parks emergency preparedness and evacuation plans in the event of a flood or other disaster. A third bill expands an existing law regarding design considerations for government buildings and infrastructure (roads and bridges) at risk of coastal flooding to include risk of flooding from rivers. The Patuxent River runs parallel to Main Street in Laurel, and has experienced catastrophic floods in the past.
On the non-environmental front, I am sponsoring legislation to codify a Biden era rule in Maryland law requiring agencies to determine guardianship and social services supports needed when minor children or vulnerable seniors are left behind and without resources when a parent/guardian is detained and deported. District-specific issues. I am working with Senator Rosapepe on legislation to protect against future development of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center if the Trump administration tries to close it and/ or sell it. The bill would codify into state law its zoning as open space/forest/parkland. Rising costs (in particular for utilities). Indirectly, we should get more climate protection and taxpayer relief after the legislature voted to override the governor’s veto of the RENEW Act. The RENEW Act requires fossil fuel companies to dedicate funding for extreme weather events and climate disasters such as our hotter summers and more severe flooding. Right now, state and local governments bear those costs. Also, the legislature will need to monitor and codify a Moore administration executive order signed Dec. 19, 2025, to bring down energy costs, which have increased 44% since 2020. The order: 1. Directs the Public Service Commission (PSC) to review whether budget billing is working to protect consumers from spikes in energy prices and to be more transparent; 2. Directs the MD Energy Administration to petition the PSC to require transmission owners to consider advanced technolo-
Excellent references
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gies before getting approval to build new powerlines (whose construction costs are passed along to ratepayers); 3. Launches a state energy site readiness inventory of property on which new energy systems can be built quickly; priorities would be industrial and brownfield sites; and 4. Establishes an energy subcabinet that will issue a report in 180 days to identify the most urgent affordability and reliability challenges. School funding. To fully fund the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, as it did in 2025, the General Assembly would have to identify both revenue/tax increases and cost cutting (it cut a record $2.5 billion in spending last year). The General Assembly also should follow the recommendations of the Blueprint for MD’s Future Accountability and Implementation Board (AIB) issued Nov. 21, 2025. The suggestions included consolidating reports from local school districts, allowing out-of-state teachers to verify they have at least two years of experience vs. having to take a test to prove ability (this would address the teacher shortage); and protecting state funding formulas for multilingual learners, students who live in poverty, and special education students. Delegates Ben Barnes and Joseline Peña-Melynk had not responded to our inquiry as of press time. Some Laurel residents are in District 23, which includes South Laurel. District 23 representatives did not respond to our inquiry. Any additional submissions we receive this month will be published at laurelindependent.com
January 2026 | The Laurel Independent
LaurelIndependent.com | Page 11
LAUREL LIVING
2026 Resolutions in Laurel By SHANE WALKER
START A NATURE/ REFLECTION JOURNAL AT PATUXANT WILDLIFE REFUGE
P
erhaps you have already disrupted your well-intended New Year Resolution. You said you wouldn’t eat chocolate, but that mocha latte wasn’t made of green beans. Or maybe you were going to take a walk every day, but yesterday’s walk to collect the mail doesn’t count. How is writing in your journal working when you haven’t done anything you think is worth writing about? Your resolution to be a better you is well-intended, but don’t be ridiculous - 2026 holds a lot more opportunity to improve, and so does Laurel. For those of us still stuck on goals that won’t actually bring us happiness or healthiness, here are some local ideas for getting your New Year started (and some ideas to save for later):
TRAIN FOR THE LAUREL 5K ROUTE Registration for the annual Emancipation Day (September 5) 5K run/walk opens up on January 16. Need a better reason to power through the pain? Sign yourself up and start easier training now. You’ll get ready for the summer weather training and knock that run right out of the park, so to speak.
term for “hard living”), but, even without renewing, you can keep a book out for 21 days. A book a month isn’t a bad goal!
ADOBE STOCK
WATCH THEATER AT LAUREL MILL PLAYHOUSE
LEARN TO SKATE AT THE GARDENS ICE HOUSE
Running from January 16 to February 1, Save My Black Soul is a period-based drama during Hollywood’s Golden Age that follows a young African-American actor who gets tired of the roles he’s offered in Hollywood and moves to New York to create his own opportunities. General admission is $15-$20. (Purchase tickets at: www.laurelmillplayhouse.org)
The rink is the largest in the MidAtlantic region and open daily, year-round. 6-week classes are held Saturdays to Wednesdays starting January 3 to February 11, but the $138 fee will be prorated if you start after the first class.
SPEND A LITTLE TIME WITH OUR RETIRED SENIORS Contact the activities coordinator at Morningside House of Laurel to find out when they are offering activities. You might even offer to play a song, bring in a puzzle, or just sit and chat with interesting folks!
JOIN SANKOFA YOGA’S NEXT YOGA COHORT Down at the very end of Main Street, Sankofa Yoga & Wellness Center will be beginning their next “Yoga for Beginners” program on Wednesday evenings from January 14 to February 11. Investment: $99.
READ MORE WITH THE LAUREL LIBRARY You may not have much time to read while “lifing” (it’s a slang
The South Tract (off of Powder Mill Road) has an awesome visitor center along with 5 miles of walking trails and lakes, while the North Tract (off of Rt. 198) has 25 miles of more isolated trails. Sketch the wildlife, ruminate on the nature of humanity, or just scribble down some story ideas. The refuge can preserve more than just the land if you open your heart to it!
CHECK OUT 3 GEAR GAMES ON C STREET They have a winter season (December to February) sign-up for Role Playing Games and are starting up a Saturday Starfinder Society community for only $6 per game. Wednesdays and Saturday nights are always board game nights ($6 per night) and Thursdays host a casual Magic: The Gathering card game night ($15).
GO EXPLORE THE DINOSAUR PARK Laurel’s Dinosaur Park has two sections. The playground and garden section is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The fossil site is open every first and third Satur-
day of the month, but keep your eye out for the Dig Day sign-ups for 2026 when you can work alongside paleontologists to extract more fossils!
LEARN TO KNIT OR CROCHET Besides offering books to check out, the Laurel Library also hosts various events in its conference rooms. Check out the Kneedlework Social every first and third Tuesday evening to join a community of knitters and crocheters excited to share their knowledge and craft with the needle. Don’t get trapped with the thought that your 2026 will wind up the same as your 2025 just because you either haven’t come up with a resolution or already failed to keep it. Whether you find a group to support your healthy rhythm or whether you try something new on your own, remember that Laurel is full of possibilities just around the corner. To the new you and your happiness in this New Year, in the great words of George Eliot: “It is never too late to be what you might have been.” Shane Walker is a writer, school librarian, food delivery driver, and aficionado of life in Laurel.
We Train Dogs Of All Ages Our training is positive, humane, and fun!
Local pipers hold a practice session at the Laurel home of bagpiper Bob Mitchell. Mitchell has organized a Pipers Retreat in January in College Park. COURTESY OF BOB MITCHELL
PIPERS FROM PAGE 1
“We’re not based on competition,” Mitchell said. “We’re more interested in getting our instruments to speak to each other.” Area pipe players and musicians are invited to attend a Pipers Retreat Jan. 16 to 18. Organized by Mitchell and Christian Crowley, of Washington D.C., the three-day retreat will take place at the Old Parish House in College Park. “One of the best things about these weekends is building the community,” Crowley said. “It’s
just great to have that community of other people that you can just sit down and start playing tunes with.” The 20 or so musicians will learn and play traditional folk songs as a group during the retreat. Other events planned include a bird walk in Lakeland and a Sunday morning brunch. A public concert will conclude the retreat the evening of Jan. 18. The concert will also feature folk dancing. The retreat was inspired by the Squeeze the Bag festival, an annual pipers weekend that was held for years in West Virginia.
When festival runner Joanie Blanton retired from organizing the event last year, Mitchell and Crowley wanted to keep the spirit of the weekend alive with a local retreat. “We started to think, ‘How can we continue this tradition?’” Crowley said. “Because it’s been so nurturing for so many people who love this music and want to play this music, that we thought it would be great to build on that tradition and just keep the community going.” Registration for the event is open online at tinyurl. com/55hdwh8s .
• In-Home Training & Behavior Consultation • Puppy Socialization • Group Classes • Serving Laurel & Surrounding Areas
Jody Broughton CPDT-KA (240) 882-4765 www.socialtailwaggers.com socialtailwaggers@gmail.com
Explore the Trails and Towns of Prince George’s County!
www.anacostiatrails.org
Page 12 | LaurelIndependent.com
The Laurel Independent | January 2026
NO GAMES, NO GIMMICKS
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