Bowie Insider Issue #216

The Rise of Smart Locks: A Key Trend in Home Security

As more homes become "smart," one of the fastest-growing trends is the adoption of smart locks. These digital door locks are transforming the way people secure their homes, offering keyless entry through smartphones, keypads, or even fingerprint sensors. Beyond convenience, smart locks provide enhanced security features, including remote monitoring and instant notifications if a door is unlocked. Homeowners can grant temporary access to guests or service workers with just a tap, eliminating the need for spare keys. Popular brands like August, Yale, and Schlage are driving innovation, with many models integrating seamlessly with smart home systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. As technology advances, smart locks are quickly becoming a must-have for the modern, security-conscious homeowner.

Here are some of the best smart lock brands known for innovation, security, and integration with smart home systems:

1. August – Known for its sleek design and easy installation, August smart locks integrate well with existing deadbolts and work with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant.

2. Yale – A trusted name in security, Yale offers a variety of smart lock options, including models with touchscreens, keypads, and app control, often featuring compatibility with Z-Wave, Zigbee, and other smart home ecosystems.

3. Schlage – A well-established lock manufacturer, Schlage combines durability with smart technology. Their models work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and offer advanced encryption features.

4. Kwikset – Known for flexibility, Kwikset’s smart locks offer rekeying capabilities, Bluetooth options, and compatibility with a variety of smart home systems.

5. Eufy – A rising brand with affordable, high-quality smart locks featuring fingerprint sensors and advanced security without subscription fees.

These brands are leaders in combining convenience and top-tier security.

Maryland Enhances Voter Access with Mail-In Ballot Drop Boxes Statewide

Maryland has expanded its efforts to provide more accessible voting options by installing over 288 mail-in ballot drop boxes throughout the state ahead of the 2024 Presidential Election. These secure drop boxes, located in convenient areas such as libraries, government buildings, and other public spaces, offer voters a safe and reliable way to submit their ballots without depending on mail services or attending polling stations in person.

To vote by mail in the 2024 Presidential Election, Maryland residents must request their mail-in ballots by October 29, 2024. Once received, completed ballots must either be mailed and postmarked by November 5, 2024 (Election Day) or dropped off in one of the state’s designated ballot boxes by 8 p.m. on Election Day. The state’s widespread installation of these boxes reflects Maryland's commitment to ensuring every eligible voter has an opportunity to cast their ballot securely and conveniently, helping to bolster voter turnout and uphold the integrity of the electoral process.

More information on MD Ballot Box Locations

Artists’ Reception: Arte Del Alma at Bowie City Hall - September 26th

More information

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September 24

• Unleashing SEDI Networking Event at Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Road Student Center Ballroom and Theater Bowie 8:30am - 1:00pm

• Teen Zone, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 5:00pm

• Needlework Social, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Road Bowie 2:00pm 4:00pm

• Kids Achieve Club, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 4:00pm - 5:00pm

• Blue Star Families "START Family Book Club" South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Road Bowie 5:30pm - 7:30pm

• History Book Discussion: "The Wager", Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 6:30pm - 7:30pm

September 25

• Fairy Tale Fun At Belair Mansion 12207 Tulip Grove Drive Bowie 10:00am - 11:00am

• Senior Program: Vaccine Clinic, Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Dr. Bowie 10:00am - 2:00pm

• Old Bowie Farmers' Market - Wednesday Nights, The Market will be held at the City of Bowie Parking Lot on Railroad Ave 4:00pm - 7:00pm

• Music Performance by Liah Perez, Dominican-American Singer and Songwriter, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Road Bowie 6:00pm - 7:00pm

• “Community Matters" With Police Chief Dwayne A. Preston, Council Chambers Bowie City Hall 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie 6:00pm - 8:00pm

• WineWhiskey Wednesdays, AROMA LOUNGE 4000 Town Center Blvd Bowie 8:00pm

September 26

• Garden Cleanup at the Kenhill Center 2614 Kenhill Dr. Bowie (outside garden area) 9:00am - 10:30am

• AARP Smart Driver™: Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Dr Bowie 9:45am - 3:00pm

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 2–3 South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Road Bowie 11:00am - 11:30am

• Teen Zone Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 2:00pm - 5:00pm

• Computer Basics: Let's Talk Tech, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Road Bowie 3:00pm. - 4:00pm

• Artists' Reception - Hispanic Heritage Month Art Gallery Exhibit, Bowie City Hall 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie 7:00pm - 8:30pm

• Small Business Networking Event, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant 4101 Town Center Blvd. 7:00pm - 9:00pm

September 27

• Let’s Talk About: Ornamental Grasses, Patuxent Nursery 2410 Crain Highway Bowie 10:00am - 11:00am

• Prince George's County Senior Picnic & Fitness Day 2024, The Pavillion Picnic Area at Six Flags America, 13710 Central Ave, Bowie 10:00am - 2:00pm

• Teen Zone Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie 11:00am - 2:00pm

• Harmony Sip & Spa 12000 Traditions BIvd, Bowie 4:00pm - 6:00pm

• Vision & Purpose Media Productions Film Screening: SURVIVING LIFE, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie 7:00pm - 9:30pm

September 28

• 2024 Open Horse & Pony Show, Free State Riding Club, 12407 Quiet Owl Ln, Bowie 9:00am - 5:00pm

• Multi-modal Access and Public Spaces (MAPS), Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Dr Bowie 10:00am - 12:00pm

• Cresthill Community Fest 6510 Laurel - Bowie Rd Bowie 10:00am - 12:00pm

• Tai Chi at Belair Mansion 12207 Tulip Grove Road Bowie 10:00am - 11:30am

• Regio 3 Free State Riding Club with ECRRA Pointed Classes, Regio 3 Free State Riding Club with ECRRA Pointed Classes 12:00pm

• Joe Clair Presents: Bangin’ In Bowie with special guests Damon Williams, Marshall Brandon, and John Phillips Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie - Two Shows 7:00pm and 9:30pm

• Movie Night at Belair Mansion: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Belair Mansion 12207 Tulip Grove Drive Bowie 8:00pm - 10:00pm

September 29

• Bowie Farmers' Market, Bowie High School parking lot 15200 Annapolis Road Bowie 8:00am - 12:00pm

• Fall Reset: Detox Your Mind, Body, & Emotions, Sacred Rose 15639 Emerald Way Bowie 12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Yoga Under the Tree - S5:E7 w/Cass, Fairwood Community Park, 12390 Fairwood Pkwy, Bowie 2:00pm

• The Conway Academy Presents: ForWard Dance Production, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie 4:00pm

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