Bowie Insider Issue #280

💬 Quote of the Day, National Roots Day, Lights & Decor Award Winners, Lifelong Power of Education, Festival of Lights, Events 🗓️, 🤣Meme

Author

Bowie Insider
December 23, 2024

In this issue of the Bowie Insider…

💬 Quote of the Day
📰 Celebrate National Roots Day: Honoring Your Heritage
📰 Holiday Lights & Decor Awards - List of Winning Houses
📰 The Lifelong Power of Education
📰 Festival of Lights
🗓️ Upcoming Events
🤣 Meme of the Day
📍 Having an Event? Submit it for free
🔦 Tired of Being a Best Kept Secret? Advertise in the Bowie Insider
📣 Local Business & Organization Spotlight Apply Here or Nominate one

Quote of the Day

“No matter how bleak or menacing a situation may appear, it does not entirely own us. It can’t take away our freedom to respond, our power to take action." — Ryder Carroll

.

Celebrate National Roots Day: Honoring Your Heritage

Every December 23, National Roots Day encourages us to delve into our family history and celebrate the stories that shaped us. This special day was created in 1977 by Chris and Beverly MacDonald, who wanted to inspire people to explore their ancestry during the holiday season, a time when families often gather.

National Roots Day is a chance to honor the unique traditions, struggles, and triumphs of our ancestors. It’s a time to appreciate how our heritage contributes to our identity.

Celebrate by creating a family tree, researching your genealogy, or sharing treasured stories with loved ones. Look through photo albums, cook traditional dishes, or even take a DNA test to uncover unknown connections. This holiday is a beautiful reminder of the shared history that binds us together.

Here are three websites for ancestry research:

Ancestry www.ancestry.com One of the most comprehensive genealogy websites, offering access to historical records, DNA testing, and family tree-building tools.

FamilySearch www.familysearch.org A free service provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, featuring a vast collection of records and collaborative family tree resources.

MyHeritage www.myheritage.com Offers tools for genealogy research, DNA testing, and a large collection of historical records.

Top Holiday Lights & Decor Awards - See the Full List of Winners

Image Credit: City of Bowie

A big congratulations to the winners of this year’s Bowie Holiday House Decorating Contest! Your creativity and festive spirit have brought extra sparkle to our community this season.

Below is the full list of winners in the Bowie Holiday House Decorating Contest.

The Lifelong Power of Education

Education is the cornerstone of personal growth and societal progress. It’s not just for our youth—it’s a lifelong journey that empowers individuals at every stage of life. For our youngsters, the importance of a solid foundation in grade school and high school cannot be overstated. It prepares them for the next step: higher education, whether through college or vocational school. This step is crucial for building the skills and knowledge necessary for a fulfilling career.

For adults, education remains equally vital. Continuing to learn—whether through formal classes, workshops, or self-study—keeps our minds sharp and opens doors to new opportunities. It reminds us that growth doesn’t stop after graduation.

Unfortunately, financial barriers often deter many from pursuing higher education. Yet, it’s a lesser-known fact that countless scholarships go unawarded every year. These resources, often left untapped, can ease the financial burden for students of all ages. Seeking out and applying for these scholarships is a step toward ensuring that funding doesn’t stand in the way of anyone’s dreams.

Education is an investment in ourselves and our communities. Whether young or old, let’s embrace the opportunities to learn, grow, and build a brighter future together.

.

Festival of Lights

Image Credit: Visit Maryland - Watkins Park

Festival of Lights - Watkins Park 301 Watkins Park Drive Upper Marlboro

..

We want to hear from you…

Tell us what you want to read more about in the Bowie Insider. From more about how the city runs, sports, local taxes, business spotlights, how to start a business in Bowie, schools, colleges, shopping and more.

Click here to send us an email and let us know, we’d love to hear from you.

 

Want to sponsor this section? 📧Email the Bowie Insider
Love getting Bowie News and Events? “Buy Me a Coffee” to Show Your Support

Love getting Bowie news and lots of events in and around Bowie, consider showing your support with Buy Me a Coffee.

Click the Link for more information

December 23

December 24

December 25 - Merry Christmas

  • City of Bowie offices and gym are closed. No trash or recycling.

December 26

  • Festival of Lights, Watkins Park 301 Watkins Park Road Upper Marlboro 5:00pm - 9:30pm

  • ICE! at Gaylord National featuring "A Charlie Brown Christmas", Gaylord National 201 Waterfront Street National Harbor (see show times)

  • Ladies Night at Aroma Ultra Lounge 4000 Town Center Boulevard Bowie 8:00pm

December 27

December 28

🗓️ Know of other events not listed? Send us an email to tell us about it.

Schedule for Local Pro Sports Teams

👉️Having an event?Click Hereto add it to our calendar 🗓️👈️

👍️Like Our Facebook Page