INSIDE Support your local newspaper, P.2 Senior citizens learn tips to protect from fraud, P. 6
VOL. 4 NO. 11
NOVEMBER 2025
Students walk to raise awareness, P.8
LAUREL’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER / LAURELINDEPENDENT.COM
Mice infest apartment building By JOE MURCHISON The city of Laurel announced Oct. 29 that it is working with Avondale Apartments to remedy a mouse infestation that prompted a lawsuit from one of the tenants. In a press release, the city said it first received a tenant complaint about mice Aug. 28. A month later, after receiving additional complaints, city inspectors visited 135
apartments and found evidence of rodent activity in 34 of them, the release said. The release also said the city has issued a remediation plan that calls for additional pest controls including sealing rodent access points throughout the building, improving sanitation and trash procedures, ongoing monitoring of pest activity and monthly reports to the city. Gates Hudson, a full-service real estate
management company based in Merrifield, Va., manages the complex. The company declined to comment for this article. Avondale (8301 Ashford Blvd.), was built in 1987 and is an 11-story building with 237 units. It has a 4.2 rating on a 5-point scale on the Apartment.ratings.com website, with 178 verified reviews. All of the reviews were posted in 2024 or earlier. Tenant Dori Olaseha filed suit against
Avondale in Prince George’s County District Court Sept. 16. She is seeking $30,000 from the company for “property damage, medical expenses, lost wages and emotional distress.” Olaseha has testified at the last two city council meetings, first on Sept. 22 to call for city action and then on Oct. 27 to express disappointment at the city’s response. “Many of the same issues remain SEE MICE ON 4
Laurel voters elect city councilmembers
VETERANS CELEBRATED
By NANCY WELCH
Laurel servicemen and women were honored Nov. 8 at the second annual Veterans Day Appreciation Breakfast. Read more on P. 3 COURTESY OF EVAN ROBINSON-JOHNSON
Holiday House Tour puts Laurel’s historic buildings on display By AYLIN AARHUS The Laurel Historical Society (LHS) invites the community to celebrate Laurel’s history during its Holiday House Tour. Held every other year since its start in 1976, the holiday house tour features local historic homes,
churches and a school, all decorated for the holidays and open for visitors. “We pick a selection of historic homes, private residences and historic churches or schools to highlight on these tours,” Kristen Norton, LHS executive director, said. “The goal is to share the history
and foster an appreciation for it.” Don and Kathleen Dalphonse’s 147-year-old home is featured on the tour this year. LHS volunteers, their home was a stop on LHS’ first Holiday House Tour in 1976. “I just love having people come through the house,” Don Dalphonse said. “I like meeting people who love history. I hope that they look around and say, ‘Wow, this is quite a neat little neighborhood.’ Everybody knows everySEE HISTORIC ON 11
Laurel voters reelected four of the city’s five incumbent councilmembers as well as a former council president in the general election Nov. 4. Former Councilmember Brencis Smith won the at-large seat with 635 votes while incumbent Councilmember Christine Johnson received 613 votes. Unofficial tallies posted Nov. 5 showed a margin of less than 3% between Johnson and Smith, which triggered a recount as mandated by the city charter. Smith had represented Ward 2 on the city council from 2019 to 2023 and also served as council president from 2021 to 2023. Johnson has served as the city’s at-large representative since 2023. In Ward 1, Adrian Simmons and James Kole retained their seats on the council with 540 and 469 votes, respectively. Sheila Carroll, sister of Councilmember Jeffrey Mills (Ward 2), informed The Laurel Independent in September that she had ended her candidacy; her name
Brencis Smith won the at-large seat. COURTESY OF BRENCIS SMITH
remained on the ballot, however, due to a filing deadline. Carroll then confirmed Nov. 2 that she had reentered the race. (The city’s Board of Elections Supervisors’ final vote tallies marked her as “withdrawn.”) Carroll received 181 votes. In Ward 2, incumbent Councilmembers Mills and Kyla Clark, who is currently serving as council president, ran unopposed. They received 486 and 449 votes respectively. Seventeen write-in votes were cast for this seat, as well. The newly elected councilmembers will be sworn into office Nov. 24.
INSIDE: THE NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE OF THE LAUREL LEDGER HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383
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The Laurel Independent | November 2025
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A community newspaper chronicling the people and events of Laurel, Maryland.
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Give today to connect and inform your community By KIT SLACK
T
he old model of news delivery — big business daily papers supported by big business advertisers — is failing, as attention and advertising dollars go to digital platforms and tech companies. News delivery is fractured and misinformation flourishes as algorithms serve up frenetic, individually tailored content designed to make it hard to look away. Here in Laurel, we have something different — a newspaper that is built to last and to build our community: The Laurel Independent. We published our first issue in July 2022, and with your support, we can continue to connect you with Laurel and with each other. Our newspaper goes to almost every Laurel address in northern Prince George’s County every month, providing every resident, regardless of their connectivity or social media habits, with common, shared information about community volunteerism, local cultural events and the debates taking place in local government. We welcome your opinion pieces and letters to the editor, and we also publish a website, laurelindependent.com, that gives you important updates throughout the month. In order to deliver reliable, independent, local news to you in 2026, we’ve set a goal of raising $20,000 in donations from our read-
The Laurel Independent is part of a nonprofit publishing organization that operates, in part, on donations from readers. To support the paper, you can scan the QR code to donate online or mail checks to PO Box 132, Hyattsville MD 20781.
ers by year-end. Meeting our goal will unlock $20,000 in matching funds pooled by 13 generous local donors and an additional $19,000 in matching funds from NewsMatch, a nationwide campaign to support public service journalism. Donating today will triple your impact. If just 200 donors give $100 during November, we will have this fundraiser wrapped up and will be able to turn our full attention to bringing you excellent local news in 2026. There are many plans that will be pos-
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SECOND NO KINGS RALLY DEEMED A SUCCESS
Taking Care of Our Neighbors, a Laurel nonprofit, is seeking volunteers to help staff the annual Laurel Winter Shelter from early January to the end of March. Phillip Ott, president of the nonprofit, said the shelter will operate each night at the Craig A. Moe Laurel Multiservice Center (204 Fort Meade Road). He said three to five volunteers are needed each night: two to check in and oversee guests from 7:30 to 10 p.m. and three to stay overnight from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. The program can accommodate up to 20 men sleeping in one room and eight women in another. FISH of Laurel, which operates the Elizabeth House food kitchen, will prepare meals for shelter guests. Ott said that local congregations have stepped up to fill half of the volunteer schedule but that more volunteers are needed. He noted that current circumstances leave some residents especially vulnerable. “With the government shutdown and all that’s going on out there, there’s a bigger need than ever. … There’s a lot of people out there hurting,” he said. For more information or to volunteer, email the Laurel Winter Shelter program at LWSboard@groups.io. - Joe Murchison
More than 560 people waved signs and chanted about change in the government during a local No Kings event Oct. 18 at the Laurel Branch Library. It was the second No Kings rally — the first was June 14 — organized by Laurel Resist, a progressive group founded by city resident Amy Knox in 2017 to educate and mobilize residents around political issues. Many at the rally said the current administration is becoming more authoritarian and less democratic and expressed concerns about threats to free speech and civil rights, and the erosion of democracy. The No Kings movement endorses peaceful protests and civic unity as essential to countering growing political oppression. Laurel resident Deborah Tudor, 66, attended the rally because she worries that the country is on a path similar to Germany’s during Hitler’s rise to power. “I don’t want to be like Germany, where the Germans just kind of rolled over,” she said. She is also concerned about the country’s standing. Tudor believes that the Trump administration is “making the U.S. a laughing stock,” adding“I want a government I can be proud of again. I am so ashamed.” -Sophia Piña
sible with your support. Starting in February 2026, the newspaper will come out at the beginning of the month instead of mid-month; readers and advertisers have asked for this, and we’re glad we can make the change. We’re also looking to launch a weekly email roundup of Laurel news and events; our goal is to keep you connected to your community without cluttering your inbox. We are committed to increasing partnerships with Laurel’s entrepreneurs and business owners, and you can expect to see more local business guides and promotions in our newspaper in the year to come. At The Laurel Independent, we tell the stories of Laurel. In just the past few weeks we have brought you news of a surprise reentry into the city council race and controversy over theft of campaign signs, and we reported on an eviction dispute that led to a road closure close to the polls. We regularly cover issues around affordable housing, landlord-tenant disputes, and land use and zoning issues, and we bring you local crime updates. This year, we told the story of Laurel High School’s first state basketball championship in 45 years. And we celebrate Laurel events, from Doggy Dip Day at the pool to sledding in the winter. Good things are happening at your community newspaper, and your donation can help that continue. Please give today!
Data center draws residents’ concern By JAKE TIGER Prince George’s County officials presented their case for establishing a data center at the site of the old Landover Mall during an Oct. 25 meeting at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Landover. Attendees expressed broad concern, with some calling the plan risky and environmentally racist. Public outcry, along with a petition with over 21,000 signatures, made it clear that much of Prince George’s County does not want a data center in Landover. Many county politicians support the project. The proposed data center complex would create hundreds of jobs and bring in significant tax revenue for the county, which is facing a $147 million operating deficit in fiscal 2026. Brightseat Associates, an affiliate of the real estate company Lerner Enterprises, proposed the $5 billion Landover project, which would include five data centers. Lerner projected the centers would generate $53.5 million annually in local tax revenue. “We have a money problem,” Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay (District 6) said, during the meeting. “We want to make sure that this is worth the squeeze.” Blegay is a member of the council’s data center task force. Prior to the meeting, the District of Columbia’s Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) held a 30-minute press conference outside the Sports and Learning Complex. The press conference drew a crowd of about 50; five speakers talked about the potential impact of data centers.
November 2025 | The Laurel Independent
LaurelIndependent.com | Page 3
City honors veterans at annual breakfast By EVAN ROBINSON-JOHNSON Veterans are one of America’s defenses in a dangerous world and one of our most reliable sources of hope. That was the message Attorney General of Maryland Anthony Brown delivered to Laurel servicemen and women Nov. 8 at the second annual Veterans Day Appreciation Breakfast. Warmed by omelettes and old friends, the atmosphere was lively at the Partnership Activity Center, the police department’s community center, where a large screen displayed the American flag. Brown’s speech reflected the nation’s fraught history and its hope for a more perfect union. He was joined by Laurel Mayor Keith Sydnor, Deputy Chief of Police Mark Plazinski and other community leaders. Testimony from Laurel resident retired Master Sergeant Elizabeth HelmFrazier about the significance of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Bat-
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Find more local events all month long in our new, continuously updated online calendar at streetcarsuburbs.news/events.
talion earned a standing ovation and a lasting round of applause. Helm-Frazier said that the work of recognizing the battalion’s service is on-going. She is pushing for the battalion to be honored with a commemorative stamp. In a follow up interview with The Laurel Independent, Brown acknowledged there is more work to be done across the political spectrum to uphold the country’s position in the world. He described the nation as imperfect but vital. “Europe was rebuilt after World War II because of United States leadership,” Brown said. “We’re not perfect, right? And there are things that we do, both at home and abroad, that … we should all question and challenge and doubt, but the sum total of this nation is greatness, and that there’s no other nation in the world that has ever led the way that we do.” “We’re not perfect,” Brown repeated. “But we seek to promote peace and stability more so than any other nation in the world.”
Please send notices of events taking place between Dec. 10 and Jan. 14 to nancy@ streetcarsuburbs.news by Nov. 28.
NOV. 13 Smooth Sounds for Seniors. Lady Mary and the InDaHouse band perform R&B, southern soul, Motown and oldies. $15. Noon. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road. 301.377.7800
NOV. 14 The Lao Tizer Band. A blend of jazz, R&B, funk and world music. $25. 8 to 10 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road. 301.377.7800
NOV. 14 & 15 Fall Bazaar. Holiday shopping, raffles, food. Nov. 14 from 2 to 8 p.m. and Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. St. Nicholas Church, 8603 Contee Road. 240.762.3895
NOV. 15 Afternoon Tea. Thanksgiving-themed tea with sandwiches, scones and more. $12. 2 to 4 p.m. St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 8603 Contee Road. 240.762.3895
Leaf collection takes place through the first Friday in December. For detailed information and a map of collection schedules by neighborhood, go to tinyurl.com/3s2rcmhr Fall Craft Fair. Hosted by the Laurel 4th of July Committee; all proceeds will support the city’s celebrations next July 4th. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Laurel Multi-Service Center, 204 Fort Meade Road. 301.725.5300 West Laurel Civic Association Craft Faire. Jewelry, cards, soaps and more for the holidays. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. West Laurel Community Building, 16601 Supplee Road. 301.490.1310
NOV. 17 Kids Create: Iroquois Wampum Coding. Make art and crafts while learning about Native American and Indigenous peoples. 4 p.m. Laurel Library, 507 7th St. 301.776.6790 SEE CALENDAR ON 11
Maryland's 21st District Delegation
Laurel’s State Legislators - Standing Up for Working Families!
We want to hear from you! The 2026 state legislative session begins on January 14. We’re working on priorities from public safety and education to health care, transportation, and more. As always, we welcome your input and ideas! Please send us your views on issues and any concerns you wish to see addressed in the legislature! - Jim, Joseline, Ben, and Mary 21stDistrictDelegation@gmail.com / (240) 712-4646
Page 4 | LaurelIndependent.com
MICE FROM PAGE 1
unresolved,” she said. Joining Olaseha at the Sept. 22 meeting was former city councilmember Martin Mitchell, who said that he had helped her poll other residents at Avondale. In an Oct. 6 email to city and county officials, Mitchell said that he and Olaseha spoke with about 100 residents, and “surprisingly enough, about
The Laurel Independent | November 2025
three-quarters of those units canvassed had similar issues.” In an interview, Olaseha said she moved into a one-bedroom, ground-floor apartment with her 13-year-old son, Xerxes, on April 12. Her rent was $1,700 a month. Within a week, she had discovered rodent droppings, heard scratching noises in the walls and found a hole in the baseboard, she said. The second week she spotted mice running across the floor and
on top of her stove. Management put sticky traps in her unit, but that didn’t resolve the problem, she said. Olaseha was working from home and homeschooling her son, and said that the presence of rodents increasingly jeopardized their being at home. By July, Olaseha had approached management about ending her lease, but they told her she needed to give them more time. By August, mice were leaving droppings
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in her kitchen cabinets, getting into food, and urinating on her furniture and clothes. Olaseha contacted city officials about her situation in late August. Olaseha said she and her son also were experiencing respiratory and digestive issues. She showed a discharge document from the University of Maryland Laurel Medical Center’s emergency department that said she was treated for a cough and shortness of breath on Sept. 11. Olaseha expressed anger that the city press release about the situation stated that there were no emergency room visits for breathing difficulties in August and September. Olaseha said Avondale paid for her and her son to stay in a hotel for several days and offered to let her break her lease and receive four months’ rent as compensation. Olaseha said she decided to sue when the management company refused to reimburse her for belongings ruined by mouse urine; she was also denied her request that Avondale cover her first month’s rent at an apartment elsewhere. The Laurel Independent interviewed two other Avondale tenants with similar rodent problems who also complained of mold, water dripping through the ceiling from upstairs apartments and
broken elevators. Leland Rudner, an entomologist with American Pest, a 100-yearold pest-control company based in Fulton, said mice infestations require intensive remediation measures. One breeding pair can produce 1,250 mice in a year, he noted, saying, “They can get out of hand really quickly.” Rudner said the first step is to reduce root causes such as ground-floor openings and exposed food and trash. “If you don’t remedy those conducive conditions, you don’t get anywhere,” he commented. Rudner said that the next step would be to inspect the entire building — all apartments, utility rooms, trash shoots, common areas —to assess mouse activity. Nontoxic metal traps, called tin cats, can be installed to catch the rodents, he said. Remediation can require a monitoring system, too, consisting of infrared sensors that detect mice’s body heat. “We set these monitors throughout a building … to confirm we have low activity and no activity,” Rudner explained. And pest-control inspectors need to return for weekly visits over time to assure that no resurgence occurs, he added. “If you have any one tenant on every floor who is not doing their part, it’s very hard to achieve full success,” Rudner said.
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The Laurel Independent | November 2025
Senior citizens receive a lesson on scams By JAKE TIGER Joel Patterson was on the phone with a government worker for about an hour on Christmas Eve before he realized he was speaking to an imposter. “They pretended to be from customs enforcement, saying they had intercepted an illegal package that was coming to my house,” Patterson said. “They said they were going to … take me into custody. They knew where my house was. … I fell for it.” Patterson, an assistant state’s attorney who leads the office’s Public Integrity, Special Prosecutions and Digital Evidence units, is perhaps the top person in Prince George’s County for information on spam calls, phishing emails and other digital schemes. But even he is not immune to scams. “I was going for it right up until they asked for my bank ac-
count information,” Patterson said, laughing. “These people are so good at what they do. … This happens to everybody.” Representatives of the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office met with citizens at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center Oct. 29 to discuss financial fraud and scams, two increasingly common crimes that have siphoned millions from individuals throughout the country, including Marylanders. According to 2024 data provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were 6.5 million reports of fraud in the United States, the highest number of any year since the commission started recording data in 2020. Maryland was one of the states hit hardest, having the fifth highest rate of reported fraud in the country, according to the FTC. Marylanders lost at
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lenges with people trying to take their money,” Jackson said. “It burns me up. … If they’re asking for your money, just stop.” Assistant State’s Attorney Ed Layton offered a simple solution to help people ward off scammers: Be rude. “[Kindness] is what they’re preying on,” Layton said. “These people are professional criminals. You’re not going to hurt their feelings. They’re counting on you being a nice person. … Just say no and be rude.” Jackson urged those in attendance to never share personal or banking information over the phone unless they’ve placed the call themselves. Jackson said that individuals should contact local police or her office to report a scam. “I don’t want people to feel ashamed if they’ve fallen victim to a scam,” Jackson said. “Let us know about it, so your neighbor doesn’t fall victim.” To reach Jackson’s office, call 301.952.3500.
least $199 million to fraud and scams in 2024, with the most frequent popular scams being credit-bureau impersonation. The FTC also found that young people reported losing money to fraud more than seniors did, but the losses seniors experienced were often far greater. The median loss for someone in their 20s was $417, while victims in their 70s had a median loss of $1,000. “For folks who’ve worked an entire lifetime, they have a lot more to lose,” Patterson said. During the presentation, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Tara Jackson, who was appointed in June to assume the role as Aisha Braveboy became county executive, said financial fraud was a priority she wanted to address, in part because she saw her parents struggle with the issue. “They’re having a lot of chal-
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Raising food insecurity awareness By KATIE V. JONES Waving posters and shouting “Food for all,” the students of St. Mary of the Mills School marched down Laurel’s Main Street Oct. 28 to bring awareness to food insecurity. “We have been doing a walk for … at least 30 years,” Elise Merlo, school counselor, said. “This is the first year we focused on food insecurity.” Past walks have focused on the homeless, a topic that is more “distant” to the students, she said, adding that food insecurity is a lot more tangible to them. “A lot of our families are experiencing difficulties. The government shutdown hit home with them,” Merlo said. Throughout the week leading up to the walk, students in all grades learned about the challenges families face when unable to afford food. Students collected 700 cans of food for the church’s food pantry. “This is important not only for what they did this week collecting food,” Father Marco Schad, pastor of St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church said, as he joined the students for the march. “Imagine in their future, they will be able to make decisions, to be generous and look out for others not in the same situation as they are.” Shad said that St. Mary of the Mills’ food pantry serves 40 families each week, and he believes that number will rise if the government shutdown continues. “It’s amazing. Students get the opportunity to see where the food they bring in is sent to,” Kristen Murray, a third grade teacher at the school said. “They learn to help others.” Summer Johnson, a chaperone who has a fifth grader at the school, was there to support her child and the school. “We talked about the importance of food for all,” Johnson said. “Anybody could need support from food banks.” As the students marched down one side of Main Street and then up the other, cars honked in support and people waved from their doors and windows. “It’s important to spread awareness in our community,” Olivia Gilmer, a 14-year-old eighth grader said. “This is a fun way.”
VOLUME 4, NO. 11
NOVEMBER 2025
THE LAUREL LEDGER OFFICIAL NEWS FROM THE CITY OF LAUREL, MARYLAND
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: KEEPING US CONNECTED! Seeking Input!
The City of Laurel Department of Information Technology has working relationships with most broadband internet and cellular service providers that operate within Laurel, and is launching an initiative to help ensure that those providers can better serve our residents. Reliable connectivity is essential for work, education, emergency services, and community engagement – yet there are some areas in the City that experience spotty mobile signals or limited options for broadband internet. To accurately identify those coverage gaps, we’re launching an initiative to identify areas in the City that are underserved by broadband internet providers, or have poor cellular coverage from their carriers. We are asking Laurel residents to help by reporting areas of concern at www.cityoflaurel.org/connectivity. This survey is one part of a broader initiative to ensure that everyone in Laurel has equitable access to modern connectivity. As your local IT Department, we’re committed to advocating for improvements that benefit the entire Laurel community. By sharing your experiences, you empower us to encourage providers to invest in expanding service where it’s needed most. Visit https://www.cityoflaurel.org/connectivity to submit reports and to learn more about our Laurel Connectivity Initiative! Cyber Safety Tips The holiday shopping season has arrived, and the Department of Information Technology has some important advice to help you avoid scams while shopping online. According to the Federal Trade Commission, scams and fraud resulted in a staggering loss of over $8.8 billion last year. Thus, it's essential to prioritize your safety during online purchases, whether it’s the holidays or year round. Cyber criminals are constantly searching for weaknesses in your devices or internet connections and may attempt to steal your personal and financial information through fake websites or charities. The best defense against these threats is awareness: • Create Strong Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Considering using a password manager to generate and store complex, unique passwords. • Activate Multifactor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds a critical layer of protection by requiring a second form of verification (e.g., a code sent to your phone or app). • Think Before You Click: Be cautious with links in emails, texts, or social media ads. Phishing attempts often mimic trusted brands! • Regularly Software and Devices Updated: New vulnerabilities are discovered every day. Regularly install updates for your operating system, browsers, and antivirus software to protect against the latest threats. • Shop Only Through Trusted Sources: Stick to retailers you can verify. Look for “https://” in the URL and verify the site’s legitimacy before entering personal or payment information. Watch out for lookalike web sites! • Phishing: Be skeptical of emails or messages that create urgency or ask for sensitive information, especially with banks and retailers. When in doubt, go directly to their website instead of clicking links. • Use Credit over Debit: Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection and make it easier to dispute unauthorized charges. Monitor your accounts regularly to catch suspicious activity early! • Secure your Wi-Fi: Avoid shopping on public Wi-Fi. If necessary, use a VPN to encrypt your connection. • Data Breach Check: Check to see if your email has been involved in a data breach at www.haveibeenpwned.com. Keep security as your top priority, adhere to best practices, and if you're ever in doubt, it's best to avoid the risk. Safe Shopping!
ELECTION RESULTS 2025 The results are in! The City of Laurel held their General Election for the five (5) Council seats on November 4, 2025. As of the time of this publication, following are the Unofficial Election Results, which were to be certified on November 6th: • At-Large: * Brencis D. Smith: 641 (I) Christine M. Johnson: 621 (3 Write Ins) •
Ward 1: * (I) Adrian G. Simmons: 547 * (I) James Kole: 475 Sheila Carroll (Withdrawn): 181
•
Ward 2 (Uncontested): * (I) Kyla M. Clark: 493 * (I) Jeffrey W. Mills: 452 (17 Write Ins)
We wish all the best to our newly elected officials, who will be sworn in on November 24th, as they serve the citizens of Laurel. Call 301-725-5300 ext. 2120 if you would like to speak with your representative. Page 1
It’s Easy Being Green! STOP TRASH OVERFLOW...COMPOST AND RECYCL E! With organics recycling now in full swing, some residents may have noticed a sticker on their trash...before you see red, read further! Managing trash over flow is as easy as 1, 2, 3. (1) remove all food waste and other organic materials (paper napkins, pizza boxes, corn husks, etc.) and put into the tan cart; (2) put all recyclable materials in the blue cart (cans, glass/plastic bottles and newspaper/flyers, etc.); (3) limit black cart items to items that are not recyclable or allowed in organics recycling – diapers, tissues, paper towels with chemical cleaners on them. Carts are available in different sizes to fit your needs. Find you are having a lot of recycling or composting items filling up your carts now that you are separating out these materials from the regular refuse stream? Residents can have more than one blue and tan carts. We are here to help! If you are still having questions about what you can and can’t recycle/compost, download the Recycle Coach app or ask for a 2025 Municipal Calendar! Both the app and the calendar show you the best way to recycle, compost and reduce trash overflow. If you need a larger cart or additional recycling or composting carts, e-mail DPW@laurel.md.us. And with Halloween behind you, now is a great time to compost your pumpkins (remember to remove all wax and candles before putting your pumpkins in your curbside cart)! Another Great Season Comes to an End: Our Farmer’s Market last day was October 30th, with a special “Encore” date in the Patuxent Greens Community. A special shout-out to Berman properties for allowing us to use their parking lot. We had a wonderful season and enjoyed our returning vendors and loved hosting our new additions. Be sure to check out our Facebook page, @LaurelMarketonMain, and our City web site, www.cityoflaurel.org/1617/Laurel-Farmers-Market, for updates about next year’s Market. And most of all, thank YOU for supporting our vendors! Join us in December for a Sustainable Year in Review party. During the meeting, residents will see our successes, learn about new initiatives (Native Plants Landscaping for Stormwater Runoff) and give us ideas on what you want us to focus on next year. We will review the Sustainability Plan and will form additional focus groups to work on specific actions highlighted in the Plan. Everyone is welcome! If you are interested in participating in a work group, please contact greenliving@laurel.md.us. The full plan is available on our Green Living Resource page at www.cityoflaurel/green. We are here to help! Questions about organics recycling? Recycle right? Check out the Green Living Resource Page at cityoflaurel.org/green, and follow us on Facebook at @SustainableLaurel. This is a place where we can share ideas, highlight upcoming events and residents can stay informed on all things Sustainable. Happy Recycling Month!
TECNOLOGÍA DE LA INFORMACIÓN: ¡CONECTADOS! El Departamento de Tecnología de la Información de la Ciudad de Laurel colabora con la mayoría de los proveedores de internet de banda ancha y telefonía celular que operan en Laurel y está lanzando una iniciativa para garantizar que estos proveedores puedan brindar un mejor servicio a nuestros residentes. Para identificar con precisión las zonas sin cobertura, estamos lanzando una iniciativa para identificar las áreas de la ciudad con cobertura deficiente de internet de banda ancha o con mala cobertura celular. Solicitamos la ayuda de los residentes de Laurel reportando las áreas problemáticas en www.cityoflaurel.org/ connectivity. Esta encuesta forma parte de una iniciativa más amplia para garantizar que todos en Laurel tengan acceso equitativo a la conectividad moderna. Como su Departamento de TI local, estamos comprometidos con la promoción de mejoras que beneficien a toda la comunidad de Laurel. Al compartir sus experiencias, nos ayudan a incentivar a los proveedores a invertir en la expansión del servicio donde más se necesita. Page 2
LAUREL POLICE MONTHLY CRIME REPORT
SEPTEMBER 2025
List of Laurel Police Crime Reports can be found at www.cityoflaurel.org/1896/LPDCrime-Reports.
Contact the Council: 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 full agendas, visit www.cityoflaurel.org.
Adopted Legislation: • Ordinance No. 2046 - to modify the Operation of the City of Laurel Employees Retirement Plan to Document a Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Retirees of January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2014. • Ordinance No. 2047 - to modify the Operation of the City of Laurel Employees Police Retirement Plan to Document a Cost-of-Living Adjustment for Retirees of January 1, 1994 to December 31, 2014. • Ordinance No. 2048 - to amend the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025 and to Provide an Effective Date. • Ordinance No. 2049 - to amend the General Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program of the Mayor and City Council of Laurel, Maryland, for the Fiscal Year July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 and to Provide an Effective Date.
Government Meetings
(Dates and Times Subject to Change)
November 2025 Mayor and City Council Meetings November 10th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm) November 24th - In-Person Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm) November 2025 Boards and Commissions
November 18th - Planning Commission (CANCELLED) November 19th - In-Person Master Plan Committee (6:00pm) November 25th - In-Person Historic District Commission (6:00pm) November 27th - Board of Appeals (CANCELLED) December 2025 Mayor and City Council Meetings
Bid Recommendations: • Information Technology - Laurel Police Dispatch Furniture Replacement. Appointments/Reappointments: Lakisha Muhammad - Historic District Commission (10/15/2025-10/15/2028 ) Abisola Ude (Reappointment) - Education Advisory Committee (10/15/2025-10/15/2027) Ed Rowe (Reappointment) - Public Safety and Transportation Committee (10/15/2025-10/15/2027) Diane Van Hassel (Reappointment) - No-Kill Community Animal Shelter CAC (10/15/202510/15/2027) Maria Gonzales Jackson (Reappointment) Education Advisory Committee (10/15/202510/15/2027) Jennifer Shannon (Reappointment) - Arts Council (10/27/2025-10/27/2027) Don Gavelek (Reappointment) - Public Safety and Transportation Committee (10/27/2025-10/27/2027)
December 3rd - Virtual Work Session (6:00pm) December 8th - Virtual Mayor and City Council Meeting (6:00pm) December 22nd - Mayor and City Council Meeting (CANCELLED)
December 2025 Boards and Commissions
December 4th - Master Plan Committee (6:00pm) December 9th - Planning Commission (6:00pm) December 16th - Historic District Commission (6:00pm) December 18th - Board of Appeals (6:00pm)
City Announcements & Events (Dates and Times Subject to Change)
Scan the QR Code for the online volunteer application and start to get involved in your community!
November 7th - Harvest Moon Hayride - 6:00 - 9:00pm - Riverfront Park (Starts at parking lot behind Outback Leather) Cost $5/person on site. November 11th - Veterans’ Day - City/Passport Offices will be Closed. Visit www.cityoflaurel.org for details on adjusted collections. Nov. 24th/25th - Observance of Thanksgiving - City/Passport Offices Closed. Visit www.cityoflaurel.org for details on adjusted collections. November 29th - Small Business Saturday, 9am - 12pm, 378 Main Street (Laurel Farmer’s Market Lot) Get your passports and free swag! December 6th - Holiday Parade/Armory Illumination - Parade: 3:45pm; Festival: 4:00pm. Visit from Santa at Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St. December 12th - Employee Holiday Party at 1pm - City/Passport Offices Close Early. December 23rd - Holiday Movie, “Elf” - 6:00pm - Partnership Activity Center, 811 5th Street. December 25th - Christmas - City/Passport Offices will be Closed. Visit www.cityoflaurel.org for details on adjusted collections. Senior Services offers classes, trips and events for those Laurel Community members 55 and up! Find out more at www.cityoflaurel.org/parks.
STAY IN THE KNOW: Scan the QR Code and it will take you to the City of Laurel’s Web Site Calendar. Stay up to date on what’s happening when and where in the City! Pag
CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE. PLACE ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR.
Virtual Mayor and Council Meeting6pm
Master Plan Committee Meeting - 6pm
Planning Commission 6pm
Holiday Parade/Armory Illumination - 422 Montgomery St. Parade: 3:45p Festival: 4pm City Employee Holiday Party 1pm City Offices Close Early
Historic District Commission– 6pm
Board of Appeals 6pm
Christmas Thursday Trash/ Recycling/ Composting collected on Wednesday
Holiday Movie 6pm (Elf) 811 5th St. Mayor/Council Mtg – CANCELLED
PUBLIC WORKS
301-725-0088
CUT ALONG DOTTED LINE . PLACE ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR.
Virtual Work Session-6pm
DPW@laurel.md.us
Emergency Management: Holiday Safety Tips (Preparedness Countdown!)
MAYOR’S OFFICE
www.cityoflaurel.org Page 4
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
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
November 2025 | The Laurel Independent
LaurelIndependent.com | Page 7
NATIVE GARDENING WITH JIMMY
A new generation of Maryland native plant guides By JIMMY ROGERS
E
ven the most experienced native gardeners have key resources they consult when selecting plants and designing vibrant wildlife gardens. Books, guides and plant lists are doubly important for those just starting out. This month, I’m pleased to bring you not one, but two new resources you can read today, for free. The first is the new Maryland Native Plant Guide for the Piedmont Region, published by the UMD Extension’s Maryland Native Plants Program. It’s the first of three volumes, with guides for the coastal plain and mountain ecoregions coming out in 2026 and 2027, respectively. This guide is long-awaited, because as far as I know, we have never had a comprehensive book of Maryland native plants designed for residential gardeners. In the past, when I wanted to plan a new garden, I had to comb through several regional guides (sometimes containing conflicting or incorrect information) and then narrow down to
whether each plant was native to Maryland. This new guide only lists plants native to the Maryland piedmont ecoregion (essentially the area between I-95 and the Appalachian Mountains) and includes only those plants appropriate for residential gardens. The guide lists quite a few useful details for each plant, including a vivid picture and both the Latin and common names. The plant’s preferences for light, moisture and soil conditions are listed to help you choose appropriate planting areas. Information about height, bloom color and bloom period make it easier to integrate with other plants in the same bed. The guide includes a short narrative description of each plant, calling out interesting features and important facts. Keystone plants, those that have an outsized benefit to wildlife, are designated with a star, and other icons tell which types of animals each plant supports. Beyond this list of over 300 plants, the book also contains sections on just about every native gardening subject. Many amazing gardeners in our com-
munity contributed topical articles, such as Nancy Lawson’s article on planting what she calls assertive natives to combat invasive plant species. There are also numerous species lists that group plants by preferred conditions such as deer resistance or garden function, like plants most appropriate for a hedgerow. The book is gorgeous, too. Maryland graphic designer Amanda Wray wrapped each section in beautiful colors and shapes, making it more like a magazine than a state-government publication. I’m particularly looking forward to getting a spiral bound copy, which will make it easy to share the pictures and charts when I’m conducting garden consultations. I’m also excited to share that the Bay-Wise program has been completely revised, putting native plants at the center of almost every aspect. Bay-Wise is the Master Gardener program that helps Marylanders choose outdoor practices that benefit wildlife, conserve resources and protect the Chesapeake Bay. After more than 25 years of existence,
Bay-Wise has released a brand new booklet that takes interested residents through a huge variety of practices they can adopt in exchange for points that bring them closer to the program‘s target score. Once you’ve met that goal, you can ask the program to arrange a site visit to certify your property, point out additional opportunities you might pursue and present you with that allimportant Bay-Wise garden sign. I particularly like that the new booklet has a supplemental link next to each practice, so participants can immediately start learning more about topics they’re interested in pursuing. Interested in either of these resources? You can find a PDF of the Maryland Native Plant Guide for the Piedmont Region on the Maryland Native Plant Society website (mdflora.org/ piedmont). The society will also be offering print copies for sale in the next few months. You can find the new Bay-Wise program booklet, Maryland Living Landscapes Metric, on the Bay-Wise website (go.umd.edu/ get-bay-wise) along with infor-
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
THANKFUL MAY YOUR HOME BE FILLED WITH FRIENDS, FAMILY, PEACE, AND THE SMELL OF FRESHLY BAKED PIES THIS THANKSGIVING. THANKFUL FOR HELPING HOMEOWNERS IN AND AROUND LAUREL WITH THEIR REAL ESTATE AND NOTARY NEEDS.
DENISE.REDMOND@LNF.COM 410-878-55 5 97 C: 410-878-5597 O: 301-441-9511
mation about contacting your county’s Bay-Wise committee to arrange a visit. These amazing new resources exist because both institutional and community support for native gardening has reached the chambers of the Maryland General Assembly. New laws like the one that started the Maryland Native Plants Program and funding measures to hire new, permanent staff at the UMD Extension and the Maryland Department of Agriculture are the only reasons either of these books exist. I have seen firsthand how grassroots calls for green policies have turned into programs that measurably impact local ecology. When the next Maryland General Assembly kicks off in January, I encourage everyone to talk to their state representatives about eco-friendly bills they support. Jimmy Rogers is an avid native gardener in the city of Laurel.
Page 8 | LaurelIndependent.com
Recycling quiz By JOE MURCHISON Each person in the country generates an average of 4.5 lbs. of garbage each day, according to the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment. Do you keep some of that garbage out of the landfill
The Laurel Independent | November 2025
by recycling and composting food and yard scraps? But do you sometimes wonder what waste goes where? The West Laurel Civic Association explored this issue with a recycling and composting trivia quiz at the West Laurel Community Building Oct. 16. Barbara Sollner-Webb, former president of the association and a member of the Prince
George’s County Solid Waste Advisory Committee, fielded questions and talked about the nuances of how we handle waste. Here is the quiz, slightly expanded and with additional information from the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment. The quiz applies to Laurel and other jurisdictions throughout the
county. The quiz is straightforward: Simply circle your best guess — compost, recycle or trash — to designate how each item on the list should be handled. There may be a trick question or two where none of those options is correct. Answers are on page 10. 1. Cupcake in its paper wrapper: Compost / Recycle / Trash
YOU’RE INVITED!
Join our Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church Wyatt Hall, 522 Main Street, Laurel Thursday, November 27 | Noon - 3:00 PM Free homestyle dinner provided. Dine with us or carryout!
Everyone is welcome to enjoy food and fellowship with us!
2. Pizza box: Compost / Recycle / Trash 3. Coffee grounds and filter: Compost / Recycle / Trash 4. Tissue box with plastic section on top and window envelopes: Compost / Recycle / Trash 5. Plastic produce bags and newspaper sleeves: Compost / Recycle / Trash 6. Newspapers: Compost / Recycle / Trash 7. Aluminum foil that’s clean. Compost / Recycle / Trash 8. Aluminum foil that’s foodsoiled: Compost / Recycle / Trash
9. Glass jars with metal or plastic lids: Compost / Recycle / Trash 10. Plastic bottles and containers: Compost / Recycle / Trash 11. Dog poop in a compostable bag: Compost / Recycle / Trash 12. Fluorescent light tubes: Compost / Recycle / Trash 13. Milk cartons: Compost / Recycle / Trash 14. Meat bones: Compost / Recycle / Trash 15. Empty food cans: Compost / Recycle / Trash 16. Plastic bubble wrap: Compost / Recycle / Trash 17. Beer and soda cans: Compost / Recycle / Trash 18. Old/unneeded medications: Compost / Recycle / Trash 19. Styrofoam: Compost / Recycle / Trash 20. Cardboard boxes secured with packing tape: Compost / Recycle / Trash
The 21st Annual LARS Race Against Hunger & Homelessness Join us Thanksgiving morning and run (or walk) for our neighbors—register today! Scan the QR code and register today!
Presented by
Grand Patron
Silver Partners
Diamond
City of Laurel
Gold Emmanuel United Methodist Church
Bullseye Running
Bronze Laurel Community of Christ
Knights of Columbus #11619 American Legion Laurel Post 60 Club Pilates
www.laureladvocacy.org
For more information, please contact LARSevents@laureladvocacy.org 311 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD 20707 | 301-776-0442
November 2025 | The Laurel Independent
LaurelIndependent.com | Page 9
CRIME WATCH SEPT. 20 - OCT. 16 2025
This is not a comprehensive list of all police related activity for the city of Laurel for the dates posted.
SEPT. 20 14700 blk Baltimore Ave. Mercedes reported stolen by unknown means 1000 blk Phillip Powers Dr. Hyundai reported stolen by unknown means 300 blk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting; arrested 14700 blk Baltimore Ave. Female observed shoplifting, fleeing scene
SEPT. 21 15100 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 14700 blk Fourth St. Unknown suspects attempted to steal vehicle 14600 blk Baltimore Ave. Purse stolen from vehicle 14600 blk Baltimore Ave. Multiple items stolen from vehicle
SEPT. 22 300 blk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 9600 blk Fort Meade Rd. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 300 blk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 14200 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 300 blk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting, arrested 800 blk Washington Ave. Male observed shoplifting, arrested 15100 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, arrested
8000 blk Ashford Blvd. Vehicle broken into 13600 blk Baltimore Ave. Group observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 300 blk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 800 blk Fifth St. Wallet stolen
SEPT. 26 15100 blk Baltimore Ave. Female observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 14700 blk Philip Ct. Registration sticker stolen off vehicle 14800 blk Baltimore Ave. Wallet stolen
SEPT. 27 14100 blk Bowspirit Ln. Registration stolen off vehicle 300 blk Domer Ave. Group observed shoplifting, fleeing scene
9600 blk Fort Meade Rd. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 14700 blk Normandy Ct. Unknown suspect attempted to break into vehicle 1000 blk Fairlawn Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 9600 blk Fort Meade Rd. Backpack stolen 14700 blk Fourth St. Laptop stolen 300 blk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 800 blk Fifth St. Registration plate stolen off vehicle
200 blk Fort Meade Rd. Wallet stolen from vehicle 14600 blk Shiloh Ct. Victim assaulted, robbed 600 blk Washington Blvd. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 14600 blk Baltimore Ave. Vehicle broken into 14600 blk Laurel Pl. Purse stolen from vehicle
14600 blk Baltimore Ave. Vehicle broken into and searched through 13600 blk Baltimore Ave. Vehicle broken into and searched through
SEPT. 29 600 blk Fifth St. Vehicle broken into 14800 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, arrested 13600 blk Baltimore Ave. Multiple vehicles vandalized, items stolen
SEPT. 30
SEPT. 24
OCT. 1
15100 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 9600 blk. Fort Meade Rd. Personal bag stolen 9100 blk Scott Adam Ct. Residence broken into, multiple items stolen 15000 blk Baltimore Ave. Business broken into, multiple items stolen Baltimore Ave./Cherry Lane. Victim carjacked at gunpoint 100 blk Bryan Ct. Registration sticker stolen off vehicle 8200 blk Northlake Ct. Multiple items stolen from vehicle
13900 blk Baltimore Ave. Vehicle broken into 100 blk Green Branch Rd. Registration plate stolen off vehicle
8200 blk Harvest Bend Ln. Hyundai stolen by unknown means 14600 blk Shiloh Ct. Tools stolen from vehicle
OCT. 3
OCT. 4
8200 blk Harvest Bend Ln. Jeep reported stolen by unknown means
SEPT. 25
9700 blk Fort Meade Rd. Unknown suspects attempted to break into a business
SEPT. 28
15100 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 13700 blk Baltimore Ave. Multiple vehicles broken into
SEPT. 23
OCT. 2
OCT. 5 14900 blk Silver Trail Ln. Group observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 14700 blk Baltimore Ave. Honda reported stolen by unknown means 14700 blk Baltimore Ave. Female observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 14900 blk Silver Trail Ln. Male observed breaking into vehicle, arrested
OCT. 6 15100 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 9600 blk Fort Meade Rd. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 400 blk Sandy Spring Rd. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 300 blk Compton Ave. Registration plate stolen off vehicle
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OCT. 7 15100 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 15100 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, arrested 900 blk Washington Blvd. Cellphone stolen 300 bk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting, arrested
OCT. 11
900 blk White Way. Multiple items stolen from vehicle 14700 blk Fourth St. Registration plate stole off vehicle 14300 blk Oxford Dr. Honda reported stolen by unknown means
OCT. 9
OCT. 12
9600 blk Fort Meade Rd. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 800 blk Fifth St. Lexus reported stolen by unknown means 15100 blk Baltimore Ave. Vehicle broken into, purse stolen 1000 blk Marton St. Clothing stolen
300 blk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 14100 blk Baltimore Ave. Vehicle broken into, purse stolen 300 blk Montrose Ave. Customer failed to pay for services
OCT. 8
OCT. 10 9100 blk Scott Adam Ct. Victim assaulted, robbed 600 blk Fourth St. Victim assaulted, robbed Unit blk Washington Blvd. Tire stolen off vehicle 15700 blk Millbrook Ln., Acura reported stolen by unknown means 300 blk Montrose Ave. Multiple fashion items stolen
OCT.13 1100 blk Fourth St. Multiple vehicles broken into 14700 blk. Baltimore St. Toyota reported stolen by unknown means 100 blk Bowie Rd. Electronics stolen from vehicle
OCT. 14 14700 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, arrested 300 blk Montrose Ave, Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene SEE CRIME ON 10
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1000 blk Montrose Ave. Shed broken, items stolen 14700 blk Fourth St. Residence broken into 400 blk Gorman Ave. Residence broken into 300 blk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 500 blk Compton Ave. Bike stolen 600 blk Seventh St. Business robbed at gunpoint 700 blk Gorman Ave. Business broken into, multiple items stolen 8200 blk Harvest Bend Ln. Unknown suspects attempted to break into residence 7700 blk Stratfield Ln. Vehicle broken into
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1000 blk Marton St. Victim sustained gunshot wound
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Page 10 | LaurelIndependent.com
Recycling answers 1. Compost. If the wrapper has foil, throw the cupcake in compost and the wrapper in the trash. 2. Compost. If the top of the box is clean, it can be cut off and put in recycling. 3. Compost. K-cups go in trash. 4. Recycle. The county’s materials recycling center can handle small amounts of plastic when recycling cardboard and paper. 5. Recycle, but at grocery stores, not through the county’s recycling program, as the bags can gum up the recycling equipment. These bags are recycled into Trex decking and railing; it takes about 16,000 grocery bags mixed with wood to make one 16-foot plank, Sollner-Webb said.
The Laurel Independent | November 2025
6. Recycle or use them as liners for your kitchen compost bin instead of using bio-bags, which may carry toxic chemical residue from processing. SollnerWebb adds that the county animal shelter in Upper Marlboro welcomes newspapers that they use to line animal cages. 7. Recycle — or better yet, reuse. 8. Trash, unless you can wash it off well to recycle or reuse. 9. Recycle glass jars and metal lids, but separately. The recycling center crushes the glass, which is then used as an aggregate in road-base construction. The metal is recycled. Throw plastic lids in the trash. (One audience member noted that Mom’s Organic Market stores accept washed glass jars to offer free to interested customers.) 10. Recycle – maybe. The containers have to be marked with
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a triangular recycling symbol and the number 1, 2, 3 or 5; number 7 containers can be recycled if they’re also marked as compostable. Plastic containers that aren’t marked for recycling go in the trash. 11. Trash, of course. Same for kitty litter. The county’s stated guidance calls for double-bagging dog poo. 12. None of these options. The tubes, as well as fluorescent (spiral) lightbulbs, contain mercury, which is highly toxic. All types of fluorescent bulbs should be taken to the hazardous materials collection area at the Brown Station Road Convenience Center (3501 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro.) As for LED bulbs they also contain toxic metals and can be recycled at the Brown Station Road Convenience Center or at any Lowe’s, Home Depot or IKEA. 13. Recycle, both plastic jugs and waxed-paper containers.
14. Compost. 15. Recycle, along with the lids (best if still attached, but recyclable even if detached). 16. Trash. 17. Recycle. 18. None of these options. Place medications in the special disposal receptacle in the lobby of the Joseph R. Robison Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road. 19. City and county recycling programs do not pick up Styrofoam, but city residents can recycle it as well as computers and entertainment electronics, lightly used household items and paint, at special waste collection events held several times each year. Styrofoam can also be recycled at EPS Industry Alliance, in Crofton 20. Recycle. The county’s materials recycling facility can handle some tape on cardboard, but residents are encouraged to remove tape if possible.
City negotiating purchase of Lafayette Avenue properties By NANCY WELCH The city of Laurel is currently negotiating the purchase of two properties at 114 and 122 Lafayette Avenue, just south of Laurel Park. These adjacent properties, with a combined
area of just over 3 1/4 acres, are zoned for general/industrial use and have four buildings that would provide the city with 42,765 square feet of additional space. The city has allocated a total of $5.7 million for the proper-
December 5-20
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THREE DAY DROP-OFF HOMESCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAM For homeschool families and neurodivergent learners ages 5-10
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A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) advocates for youth who have been abused and neglected. Be the voice in court for a child who has no one else. Legal experience not required — just a heart and a few hours Scan for upcoming per month. We provide all the training! info sessions
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CRIME FROM PAGE 9
OCT. 15 9600 blk Fort Meade Rd. Vehicle broken into 7700 blk Haines Ct. Vehicle broken into 300 blk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene
OCT. 16 15100 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 7100 blk Virginia Manor Ct. Business broken into, multiple items stolen 1500 blk Baltimore Ave. Money stolen from vehicle 800 blk Fifth St. Handicap placard stolen 13600 blk Baltimore Ave. Personal bag stolen 300 blk Montrose Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene 14200 blk Baltimore Ave. Male observed shoplifting, fleeing scene
ties, which have a purchase price of $5.5 million, from the city’s unassigned fund balance and from public safety surcharge funds. The additional $200,000 would be used for security enhancements. Director of Parks and Recreation Bill Bailey told the city council during their Oct. 27 work session that one building would be used as storage space for special events supplies and to house some of the department’s larger equipment. The Laurel Police Department’s motorcycle units would be based at the building, he said, and it would also be used as a police training facility. An evidence lab would also be established. Director of Public Works Tim Miller endorsed the pending purchase, noting that the properties on Lafayette Avenue offer ideal facilities to accommodate city growth. “How often do pieces of property like this become available in the city for these types of expansion?” Miller asked. Miller noted the importance of city workers’ morale. “I think [the purchase will] give us the opportunity to stay current; as the city grows, we have that space to grow. … I believe that having that additional space and cleaner space, it will keep the union employees happier, to have a cleaner area in which to come in and work. It helps build the morale of all those employees.” The council will hold a second public hearing on the purchase on Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Joseph R. Robison Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road.
November 2025 | The Laurel Independent
LaurelIndependent.com | Page 11
CALENDAR FROM PAGE 3
NOV. 27
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in 1976. COURTESY OF THE LAUREL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HISTORIC FROM PAGE 1
body in this neighborhood. It’s a real community.” St. Philip’s Episcopal Church is another stop on the tour. Established in 1848 by Horace and Louisa Snowden Capron, St. Philip’s was one of the first churches in the region to have a raciallyintegrated cemetery when it was founded. The congregation also welcomed female priests starting in the mid-1980s, including Jane Holmes Dixon, who became the second female bishop in the Episcopal Church. Betsy Walsh, who has been a member of St. Philips since she was baptized there more than 70 years ago, hopes people “...learn a little bit about our history and appreciate how St. Philip’s has adapted through the generations. The thing I hope the most for al-
ways is that if somebody walks in, they feel welcome, they feel at home, they feel heard. And that’s what makes my heart sing.” Snacks and children’s activities will be provided at the Laurel Elementary School stop. Built in 1926, the school is approaching its 100th anniversary. Each stop on the tour is significant, Norton said. “These buildings are tangible connections to our past,” she said. “They tell the stories of those who lived there, those who built them, those who worshiped in them or worked in them. We’re fortunate to have so many in Laurel. Once we lose our historic buildings, they’re lost forever. You can’t rebuild history. All you can do is protect it.” The Holiday House Tour takes place Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 5 p.m. For ticket information, go to the Laurel Historical Society’s website.
LARS Race Against Hunger. Laurel Advocacy and Referral Service’s 21st annual turkey trot fundraiser with a 5k run, a 1k walk and a 1k virtual walk. Registration $54. Race starts at 8 a.m. 301.776.0442
DEC. 5-7 Holiday Open House. Hosted by the Laurel Historical Society at the museum. Noon to 4 p.m. 817 Main St. 301.725.7975
DEC. 6 Breakfast with Santa. Breakfast and an appearance by St. Nick. $15 per person, in-person registration required. 9 to 11 a.m. Laurel Partnership Activity Center, 811 5th St. 301.725.5300
Holiday Traditions from Around the World. Learn how other cultures celebrate with stories, games and crafts for families. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Montpelier House Museum, 9650 Muirkirk Road. 301.377.7817 Armory Illumination. Join Mayor Keith Sydnor and city councilmembers for Laurel’s annual winter holiday parade and Laurel Armory illumination. Parade at 3:45 p.m. at the Laurel Municipal Center (8102 Sandy Spring Road.) with the illumination at approximately 5:15 p.m. at 422 Montgomery St. 301.725.5300 Prince George’s County Juried Exhibit. Public reception for the 37th annual exhibit. Free. 3 to 5 p.m. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road. 301.377.7800
DEC. 14 Christmas Concert. Choir, Praise Team, strings, brass, handbell choir and organ, along with sing-along carols and reception afterward. 3 and 7 p.m. Free; please bring canned goods to serve the community. Our Savior Lutheran Church, 13611 Laurel-Bowie Road. 301.776.7670 or go to oslclaurel.org
ONGOING Laurel Rides the Rails: Tales of Trains and Trolleys. Through December. Laurel History Museum, 817 Main St. 301.725.7975
RECURRING Second Friday Senior Book Club. November’s read is “Good Dirt,” by Charmaine Wilkerson, and December’s selection is “One of the Girls,” by Lucy Clarke. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St. 301.452.7700 or email book62worm@hotmail.com
THANKSGIVING
GIVE THANKS Thanksgiving Day Service with Holy Communion, 10:00 AM St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 4512 College Avenue, College Park
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6-9. St. Andrew’s is a welcoming and inclusive parish of The Episcopal Church.
www.saeccp.org
LAUREL SQUIRREL By Agnes Pasco Conaty
“I am thankful for friends, fall colors and every acorn I remember burying.”
ACCIDENTS AMERICANS BEANS BLESSING CAKE CANDLES CARROTTS CELEBRATED CIVIL WAR COLONIES COOKING DAY DEER DRESSING
EXPLORERS FASTING FIRES GIVING INDIANS JELLO KITCHEN LAST NOVEMBER PEOPLE PERISHED POTATOES PRESIDENT LINCOLN PROCLAMATION
PUDDING SABBATH SALAD SATURDAY SHARE SPANISH SUNDAY TABLE THANKSGIVING THURSDAY TURKEY WAMPANOAG WOMEN
Page 12 | LaurelIndependent.com
The Laurel Independent | November 2025
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