Issue #014

Upcoming Local Events

From the Home Show to comedy, author book signings and kids events, there is something for everyone in the upcoming events in Bowie and the surrounding area. For more detailed information, click on the link provided.

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 15

• Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday - Holiday 

• MLK Brunch, 6800 Laurel - Bowie Road Bowie, MD 20715, 10:00 am -2:00 pm

January 16

• EARLY morning run - Bowie, Starbucks, 15480 Annapolis Rd #207, Bowie, MD - 5:30am - 6:30am

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

• Kids Create: Winter Scene, South Bowie Branch, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, 15301 Hall Rd, Bowie, MD 20721 - 6:30 - 7:30

• Author Book Signing Release With Meet & Greet - April T. Smith, Center Pocket Cafe & Billiards, 4931 Tesla Drive #Unit H Bowie, MD 20715 - 5:30 - 9:00

January 17

• WineWhiskey Wednesdays, AROMA LOUNGE, 4000 Town Center Boulevard Bowie, MD 20716

January 18

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 2-3, South Bowie Branch, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, 15301 Hall Rd, Bowie, MD 20721

January 20

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

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

• Kids' DIY-U Workshop: My First DIY Toolbox, 16301 Heritage Blvd, Bowie, MD, 3:00 - 6:00

• 3rd Annual Vision Board Brunch: 2024 Edition, The Mansion 2706 Church Road Bowie, MD 20721, 11:00am- 1:30pm

• Terri & the Back Alley Rhythm Cats, Old Bowie Town Grille

  8604 Chestnut Ave, Bowie, MD - 7:00pm

January 21

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

January 22

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

January 26

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

January 27

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

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

January 31

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

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

Sankofa - The Mobile Museum in Prince George’s County

In 2019, the Natural and Historic Resources Division in Prince George’s County initiated the Inclusive Interpretation Initiative, aiming to provide a comprehensive, balanced historical perspective inclusive of all peoples' experiences. This project focused on historic sites, particularly plantations, and expanded county-wide to increase accessibility and inclusivity, especially for youth.

The cornerstone of this initiative is Sankofa, a mobile museum designed to offer an unfiltered view of history. Developed over four years with various partners, Sankofa uses virtual and augmented reality to deliver immersive experiences, connecting local stories of resilience and activism to broader national themes. The project aims to foster a deeper understanding of American history and local heritage, empowering people to apply historical lessons to the future.

Sankofa, an interactive museum, travels to schools across the county, exposing students to untold local stories from 10,000 years ago to the present. It features three stations: the first uses augmented reality and traditional museum materials; the second offers virtual reality experiences to 'meet' historical figures like the Piscataway Tribe elder, female entrepreneurs, freedom fighters, and educational pioneers; the third encourages discussion and critical thinking about historical narratives. This initiative aims to inspire curiosity, understanding, and empathy among students, connecting past and present.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: A Time for Service, Unity, and Embracing Dr. King's Dream!

Embracing the Dream

Each year, on the third Monday of January, we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time to honor the profound legacy of a man who reshaped the landscape of American civil rights. Dr. King, a figure of hope and a catalyst for change, believed deeply in the power of service as a tool for unity and healing in a divided nation.

The Power of Service

The Martin Luther King Jr. holiday is not just a day off; it's a day of reflection and action. Across the country, communities engage in various service activities, embodying Dr. King's vision of a "Beloved Community." This day reminds us that everyone has the power to make a difference. It's a day where we step out of our comfort zones, reach across boundaries, and lend a hand to those in need.

Benefits of Service

Service, in the spirit of Dr. King, offers numerous benefits. It strengthens communities, bridges barriers, and creates solutions to social problems. Engaging in service activities fosters a sense of belonging and interconnectedness. It teaches empathy, cultivates respect for diversity, and instills a sense of responsibility towards the welfare of others.

The Call to Action

As we honor Dr. King's memory, let's remember his words: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" This holiday presents an opportunity for all of us, regardless of age, race, or background, to contribute to the greater good and to uphold the ideals that Dr. King stood for. It's a call to action, urging us to continue his fight for equality, justice, and peace.

Small Acts of Kindness: Making a Big Impact in Bowie, Maryland

In a world where headlines often highlight grand gestures and large-scale initiatives, it's easy to overlook the power of small, everyday acts of kindness. In Bowie, Maryland, a city known for its strong sense of community and neighborly spirit, these little acts can make a significant impact.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

Small acts of kindness are much more than fleeting good deeds; they create a ripple effect, spreading positivity and compassion throughout the community. A smile to a stranger, a helping hand to a neighbor, or a kind word can lift spirits, improve moods, and strengthen community bonds.

Simple Ways to Show Kindness in Bowie:

1. Support Local Businesses: Choosing to shop at local stores or dine at local restaurants not only bolsters the economy but also fosters community relationships. Take a moment to chat with shop owners, leave a positive review online, or recommend their services to friends and family.

2. Help a Neighbor: Whether it's mowing an elderly neighbor's lawn, offering to pick up groceries, or simply checking in on someone who lives alone, these gestures can make a big difference in someone's day.

3. Volunteer Your Time: Bowie has numerous volunteer opportunities ranging from community clean-ups to assisting at local food banks. Even a few hours of your time can contribute greatly to these causes.

4. Be Environmentally Conscious: Acts of kindness extend to our environment too. Participating in recycling programs, local park clean-ups, or planting trees and flowers can beautify the city and show care for our shared spaces.

5. Spread Kindness in Schools: Encourage children to participate in acts of kindness. This could be through sharing, helping a classmate, or participating in school community service projects.

6. Leave a Generous Tip: For those working in service industries, a generous tip can be a pleasant surprise and a genuine boost.

7. Donate to Local Charities: Whether it’s clothes, food, or money, donating to local charities can have a tremendous impact on the lives of fellow Bowie residents in need.

8. Offer Compliments: Sometimes, a simple compliment can brighten someone's day significantly. Be genuine and look for opportunities to uplift others with your words.

9. Create a Kindness Rocks Project: Paint positive messages on rocks and leave them around Bowie for people to find. This can be a fun activity for families and a delightful surprise for those who find them.

10. Pay it Forward: Pay for the coffee of the person behind you in line, or offer your place in a queue to someone who seems in a rush. These small gestures can create a chain reaction of kindness.

Conclusion

In Bowie, Maryland, every resident has the power to contribute positively to the fabric of our community through small acts of kindness. These gestures, no matter how minor they may seem, have the power to transform our city into an even more welcoming and compassionate place. Let's all strive to make kindness a daily habit, and watch as it uplifts our community, one small act at a time.

“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?