Issue #011

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 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 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.

From Seasonal to Sensational: Bowie's Ice Arena Transformation Promises Exciting Future Ice Arena

The Current City of Bowie Ice Arena

The City of Bowie Ice Arena, operational since 1971, celebrates its 52nd skating season in 2023-24. Initially a seasonal facility, it now opens from July to April annually. Catering to various ages and skill levels, the arena offers discounts for City of Bowie residents, groups, and families. It serves as the home base for several ice skating and hockey teams, including the Bowie Figure Skating Club, Bowie Hockey Club, Bowie High School Ice Dogs, and the Bowie ISI Figure Skating Team.

Proposed Plan for the New Bowie Ice Arena

In the spring of 2023, Bowie, a city embracing progress and community engagement, initiated an ambitious project to enhance its recreational infrastructure. The city authorities engaged the expertise of JLG Architects, a renowned firm based in Minnesota, for the design of a cutting-edge ice arena, poised to be a significant upgrade from the existing facility at Allen Pond Park.

Strategically located near the Bowie Golf Course and opposite Rockledge Elementary School along Laurel-Bowie Road (MD 197), the new arena is envisioned to be a modern marvel in community sports facilities. Spanning an impressive 49,000 square feet, the proposed design showcases a sleek, single-story structure featuring a single sheet ice rink, accented by a dynamic and inviting entrance.

The core of the arena is an NHL-standard ice rink, complete with seating areas for spectators to enjoy thrilling matches and events. Complementing the rink are five team locker rooms, an official changing room, and a range of amenities including a professional shop, a concession stand for refreshments, a skate rental and changing area, and two versatile multi-purpose rooms designed to host a variety of events and activities.

Key milestones in the project's timeline have been meticulously planned. A significant stakeholders meeting was held on November 15, 2023, where JLG Architects presented their initial design concepts. This will be followed by an upcoming meeting on January 23, 2024, to discuss progress and gather further input. A pivotal presentation before the City Council is slated for February 20, 2024. The final design is anticipated to be completed by Spring 2024, though the construction schedule is still in the works.

Community Update: Bowie Shooting Suspect Arrested, Investigation Ongoing

In Prince George's County, Maryland, an arrest has been made in relation to a fatal shooting that occurred in Bowie in late December. On December 28, police responded to a shooting report on St. Michaels Drive, where they discovered 37-year-old Timothy Emmanuel Jones of Washington, D.C., fatally shot in a vehicle. The investigation suggests that 18-year-old Harvey Barnes III of Upper Marlboro, who knew Jones through mutual acquaintances, was involved in a dispute with him, leading to the shooting. Barnes has been charged with first- and second-degree murder, among other related charges. Authorities encourage anyone with further information to contact detectives at 301-516-2512.

“The Best of…” is coming to the Bowie Insider

Wonder no more! We will be introducing the “Best of…” in Bowie and the Regional Area as a weekly series. Stay tune as we ask for you to nominate businesses in the following categories and more. Each winner will be interviewed and featured in an issue of the Bowie Insider.

• The Best Restaurant

• The Best Barbershop and Salon

• The Best Coffee Shop

• The Best Dentist

• The Best Childcare/Daycare Center

• The Best Plumber…

How did we do in this issue of Bowie Insider?