Issue #009

Upcoming Local Events

The Month of January

• National Bath Safety Month

• Financial Wellness Month

• Get Organized Month

• National Hot Tea Month

• National Mentoring Month

• Self-Love Month

• Teen Driving Awareness Month

• January 6 - February 10: Winter Youth Entrepreneurship Workshop Series Saturday mornings, 11am - 1pm, In-person at the South Bowie Branch Library, 15301 Hall Rd. for young aspiring entrepreneurs who are eager to learn and grow.

• January 8 to 30: Recycle live cut Christmas trees, placed at the curb by 6 a.m. on their regular yard trim collection day or drop off at Brown Station Road Public Container Pad and Recycling Center, located at 3601 Brown Station Road in Upper Marlboro Monday to Saturday, between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

• January 10: 8:00 - 10:30am Simply Business Network Health & Wellness Event, Hosted by Simply Bowie Magazine at Party HQ 15606 Emerald Way, Bowie, MD

• January 13: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Art Contest Program, 10:00-12:00, Bowie City Hall

• January 15: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday - Holiday 

• January 16: Single and Parenting Virtual Workshop, 7:00 - 8:30

• January 20: 8:00 - 2:00: Electronics Recycling Event, The Public Works Department, 16500 Annapolis Road.

• January 20: 12:00, Ballin' with the Badge, Benjamin Tasker Middle School, 4901 Collington Rd, Bowie, MD 20715

• January 21: 11:00 and 3:30 Outlet Dance Complex Presents: Dancin’ Through Winter, Winter Recital

• January 22: 7:00-8:30, Old Town Bowie Revitalization Community Meeting at the Huntington Community Center, 13022 8th Street

  Bowie, MD

• January 26: 7:00, On Kee Jazz Presents: Jazz in the Black Box, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts

• January 27: 1:00 - 3:30 - Candle Making Workshop at 6600 Laurel - Bowie Road Bowie, MD 20715

• January 27: 7:00pm and 9:30pm, Joe Clair Presents: Bangin’ in Bowie featuring featuring comedians Brooklyn Mike, Timmy Hall, and Cool Bubba Ice, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts

• January 31: 7:00pm - Free virtual Workforce Development Program Information Session ages 15 - 25

• Send us an email if you would like to share a local Bowie event inside of the Bowie Insider; include all of the details.

Paws and Play: The Joyous Journey of a Dog Park Adventure

In the heart of Bowie, there’s a magical place where tails wag with unbridled joy and sniffs are exchanged like hearty handshakes. Welcome to the local dog park, a canine kingdom where our furry friends reign supreme. It's more than just a patch of grass; it's a vibrant community hub that brings together dogs and their humans in a symphony of playful barks and cheerful laughter.

The Social Butterfly Effect

Picture this: a sunny afternoon, dogs of all shapes and sizes romping freely, their joy infectious. The dog park isn’t just a space for exercise; it's a social club for pups. Dogs are inherently social animals, and these parks provide a crucial platform for them to interact, learn social cues, and make lifelong furry friends. Like a charming meet-and-greet, it’s here that dogs learn the art of being good canine citizens.

A Healthy Retreat

Beyond socialization, dog parks offer a haven for health. Free from the constraints of a leash, dogs can sprint, zigzag, and leap, engaging in full-bodied exercise that is crucial for their physical well-being. This open play helps keep our canine companions in top shape, warding off issues like obesity, which can be a silent scourge.

Mental Gymnastics

Let's not forget the mental gymnastics happening during these park excursions. New smells, sights, and sounds provide sensory stimulation that keeps a dog's mind sharp. Each visit is a new adventure, offering a kaleidoscope of experiences that ensure our furry friends are as mentally fit as they are physically.

The Human Connection

The dog park saga isn't just about the dogs; it’s a chapter in our own lives too. These spaces foster community among dog lovers. Conversations spark over shared interests, advice is exchanged, and camaraderie is built. It’s a place where we, too, step away from the daily grind and immerse ourselves in the simple joys of watching our dogs play.

A Word of Caution

Of course, with great freedom comes great responsibility. Not all dogs are suited for the bustling environment of a dog park. Timid or aggressive dogs might find these spaces overwhelming, leading to stress or confrontations. It’s crucial to understand your dog's personality and comfort levels before embarking on a dog park adventure.

The Tail End

As the sun sets on our dog park, and paws tread wearily but happily homeward, we’re reminded of the simple joys these spaces provide. They are not just patches of grass but canvases where our dogs paint their joy. They teach us about the importance of play, the value of exercise, and the beauty of a community coming together. In the wag of a tail and the flicker of happy eyes, we find a shared language of love and joy. The dog park, in its unassuming way, is a reminder of life’s simplest but most profound pleasures.

So, next time you pass by, take a moment to stop and watch. Better yet, if you’re a dog parent, leash up your four-legged friend and dive into the delightful world of the dog park. Who knows what adventures await in this wonderland of wags and woofs?

Dog Parks In Bowie, MD and the Surrounding Area

In Bowie, Maryland, and its surrounding areas, several dog parks are available for pet owners and their dogs:

1. City of Bowie Dog Park: Located at 3600 Northview Drive. This park features two fenced-in areas where dogs can run off-leash, free parking, and is open daily from 8 a.m. to dusk​​​​​​​​. It is a one-acre dog park known for being clean and well-maintained​​.

2. Washington, Baltimore and Annapolis Trail: Route 450
   Glenn Dale, MD 20769.

3. Towsers Branch Park: 1405 Jackson Road Odenton, MD 21113.

4. Allen Pond Park: 3330 Northview Dr, Bowie, MD 20716.

5. Greenbelt Dog Park: 7300 Hanover Dr, Greenbelt, MD 20770.

6. Bell Branch Dog Park: 2400 Davidsonville Rd, Gambrills, MD 21054.

7. Blacksox Park: 2201 Mitchellville Rd, Bowie, MD 20716.

8. Davidsonville Park: 3042 Patuxent River Rd, Davidsonville, MD 21035.

9. Fort Meade Bark Park: Ernie Pyle St, Fort Meade, MD 20755.

10. Leo E. Wilson Community Park: Leo E. Wilson Community Park

These parks provide various environments for dogs to play, exercise, and socialize, making them great options for residents and visitors in the Bowie and the surrounding area. It is important to know your dogs temperament when visiting dog parks.

Pet Stores in Bowie, MD and the Surrounding Area

To help take care of our pets, here's a list of pet stores in and near Bowie, MD that offer a pet food, grooming and pet card needs.

1. PetSmart

   • Address: 4500 Mitchellville Rd, Bowie, MD.

   • Services: Offers a range of pet supplies, grooming, training, adoptions, veterinary services, and curbside pickup​​.

2. Petco

   • Address: 15475 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD.

   • Services: Provides animal nutrition, grooming, and health needs​​.

3. Crunchies Natural Pet Foods

   • Address: 2421 Crofton Ln Ste 11, Crofton, MD.

   • Specializes in natural and holistic pet foods.

4. Pet Supplies Plus - Odenton

   • Address: 1153 Route 3 North, Suite 170, Gambrills, MD.

   • Offers a wide range of pet supplies and products.

5. The Feed Store

   • Address: 167 Jennifer Rd, Annapolis, MD.

   • Known for a variety of pet feed options.

6. FantaSEA Aquariums

   • Address: 2141 Priest Bridge Dr, Suite 6, Crofton, MD.

   • Specializes in aquarium services including design and installation.

7. Tropic Bay Water Gardens

   • Address: 600 W Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD.

   • Specializes in water garden and aquatic supplies.

Are You Signed Up for The City of Bowie Real Time Alerts?

We hope that everyone is safe after the winds and rains yesterday. To stay alert, consider signing up for the City of Bowie “Alert Bowie” system. It provides accurate, up-to-the-minute emergency notifications and informational messages from the City of Bowie directly to you, wherever you may be and in the best delivery method for you. This includes the option for email, text message and telephone calls.

Sign up for the City’s Alert Bowie System

How did we do in this issue of Bowie Insider?