Bowie Insider Issue #264

The History and Popularity of Black Friday Shopping 🛒 

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has become synonymous with deep discounts and the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The term "Black Friday" originated in Philadelphia in the 1960s, describing the heavy traffic and chaos caused by shoppers flocking to stores. Over time, the name evolved to represent a day of financial positivity for retailers, as their accounts often transitioned from "red" (losses) to "black" (profits).

Today, Black Friday is a global phenomenon, with stores offering limited-time deals on everything from electronics to home goods. In recent years, many retailers have extended their sales to cover the entire weekend, leading into Cyber Monday for online shoppers.

Will Bowie residents hit the stores this Black Friday, chasing doorbuster deals at the Bowie Town Center, Wal-Mart and Target? Or will they wait for Cyber Monday to snag discounts from the comfort of their homes? What are your plans, if any at all?

Maryland Police Alert Residents to Bitcoin and Gift Card Scams

Maryland State Police are raising awareness about a surge in telephone scams involving Bitcoin and gift cards, warning residents to remain cautious. Scammers are using the anonymity of cryptocurrency and the convenience of gift cards to target victims, exploiting trust in these payment methods to commit fraud.

Recent cases reported by the Salisbury Barrack reveal scammers posing as legitimate businesses or government agencies. Victims are often pressured into withdrawing cash and depositing it into Bitcoin ATMs using QR codes linked to the scammers’ wallets. Others are coerced into buying gift cards and sharing the card details.

These scams rely on urgency and fear, pushing victims to act quickly. Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to their trust in authority figures and limited familiarity with cryptocurrency.

Officials urge residents to verify claims, avoid irreversible payments, and report suspicious activity to authorities. The Federal Trade Commission reported over $175 million in losses from similar scams since 2023.

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Federal and Local Health Leaders Coming to Bowie to Discuss Key Health Care Topics

Melissa Herd, the Director of Region 3 for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), will be in Bowie Monday, December 2nd at 10:00am in the Bowie Senior Center. She will discuss the Inflation Reduction Act, reduced prescription drug prices, and Medicare Open Enrollment.

Karen H. Sylvester the Director of Prince George’s County for the Aging and Disabilities Services Division will also be in attendance for the session, which will be held in the dining area of the Center.

This event provides an invaluable opportunity for residents to gain insights into critical healthcare topics from federal and local leaders. Seniors and community members are encouraged to attend this informative session.

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November 29

City of Bowie offices are closed.

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 3–5, Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. Bowie 10:15am - 10:45am

• Black Friday Pop UP, Bowie Town Center, 15606 Emerald Way, Bowie 9:00am

• Christmas Light Show, Cornerstone Church of Bowie 16010 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715, Bowie 7:00pm - 9:00pm

• "Witness for the Prosecution" by Agatha Christie at the Bowie Playhouse 16500 White Marsh Park Drive Bowie - See show times.

November 30

• Self-Care City Scavenger Hunt: Based on Hot Habits Series - Bowie Area, 1500 Pointer Ridge Place Bowie 1:00pm - 5:00pm

• Pop-Up Park Picnic: Couple Date Night (Self-Guided), Whitemarsh Park 100 White Marsh Park Drive Bowie 1:00pm - 5:00pm

• Holiday Kickoff Craft Fair, Patuxent Nursery 2410 Crain Highway Bowie 9:00am - 3:00pm

• SPIN with KTX in the DMV, Fitness 4 Less, 6824 Laurel - Bowie Road, Bowie 9:30am - 11:30am

• State of Black Bowie Town Hall, Bowie Library Bowie Library 15210 Annapolis Rd. Bowie 11:00am - 1:00pm

• "One Year Walking with Jesus" - Book Launch, M Lounge Events 15619 Emerald Way Bowie 6:00pm

• Joe Clair and Friends presents the Bangin’ in Bowie Comedy Series featuring Marsha Warfield, Mike Bonner and Monique Latice, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie - see show times

December 1

• Trainspotting Day at the Bowie Railroad Museum 8614 Chestnut Avenue

  Bowie 10:00am - 4:00pm

• Holiday Shopping at Belair Mansion Museum Shop 12207 Tulip Grove Rd Bowie 12:00pm - 4:00pm

• Drop off Letters to Santa December 1 - 15, see locations and times

• Santa Claus is Coming to the Old Town Bowie Welcome Center 8606 Chestnut Avenue Bowie 12:30pm - 1:30pm

• CK Around the World! (Brunch/Day Party), CK & Lounge

  3524 Robert S. Crain Highway Bowie 11:00am - 10:00pm

• Close With Kay 2025 Vision Board Party, Samson Properties Bowie

  16701 Melford Boulevard Bowie 2:00pm - 5:00pm

December 2

• Drop off Letters to Santa December 1 - 15, see locations and times

• Key Health Care Session With Federal and Local Leaders, Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Dr. Bowie 10:00am

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0–2, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd, Bowie 11:00am - 11:30am

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

December 3

• Senior Center Program: Holiday Craft Fair, Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Dr. Bowie 10:00am - 2:00pm

• Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony & Food Truck Frenzy, Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Dr. Bowie 7:00pm - 8:30pm

• Bowie Education Committee Virtual Meeting 7:00pm - 9:00pm

December 4

• NCI SBIR at the Bowie State Fall Seminar Series Virtual, 12:00pm -1:00pm

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

• Environmental Advisory Committee Virtual Meeting, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

Schedule for Local Pro Sports Teams

Washington Commanders Schedule 🏈 

Baltimore Ravens Schedule 🏈 

Washington Mystics 🏀 

Washington Wizards 🏀 

Bowie Baysox Schedule⚾️

Baltimore Orioles Schedule ⚾️

Washington Nationals Baseball Schedule⚾️

DC United Soccer Schedule⚽️

Washington Spirit Soccer Schedule⚽️

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