Issue #015

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

~~~Winter Weather Advisory ~~~ Check for Schedule Changes and Cancellations

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.

Winter Weather Advisory: What to Expect in Bowie, Maryland and the Surrounding Areas

As residents of Bowie, Maryland, and its neighboring communities brace for the upcoming winter weather, it's crucial to stay informed and prepared. Here's what you can expect in the next few days and how best to prepare:

Weather Forecast:

- Tomorrow's Outlook: Expect snow to begin in the late afternoon, with temperatures hovering around 30°F. The likelihood of precipitation is high, at 80%, with less than an inch of snow accumulation expected during the day. Overnight, the snowfall is predicted to continue, potentially adding 1 to 3 inches.

- Extended Forecast: The following days will see varying conditions, including clear nights and sunny days. However, the chance of snow returns by Thursday night. Looking further ahead, January will continue with mixed rain and snow, while February is expected to bring a snowstorm and very cold conditions. This season's temperatures, precipitation, and snowfall are projected to be above normal.

State of Preparedness:

- Maryland Governor Wes Moore has issued a State of Preparedness in anticipation of the winter weather. This declaration is in response to the forecast of damaging winds, heavy rain, and possible flooding. It focuses on preparedness and coordination of state response to the potential impacts of the weather system.

Precautions and Safety Measures:

- During the Weather Event: It's advised to stay indoors and avoid travel. If travel is necessary, be cautious, especially on roads that might be flooded.

- Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency kit ready, including essentials such as non-perishable food, water, medications, and a first aid kit. Develop and discuss a family emergency plan.

- Staying Informed: Keep up with the latest weather updates from the National Weather Service and local news channels.

- Power Outages: Prepare for possible power outages by keeping devices charged. Know the contact details for your local utility company.

- Generator Use: If you use a generator, ensure it's operated outdoors and placed far from windows and doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

While the winter weather in Bowie, and its surrounding areas may bring beautiful snowfall, it's important to take these forecasts seriously. Staying informed, prepared, and cautious can ensure the safety and well-being of all residents during this winter season.

Sections in Bowie: Notice That the Streets Names Start With the Same Letter and Wonder Why?

Post-World War II America saw a surge in demand for affordable family housing, a need largely unmet by the existing market. Property developer William Levitt addressed this by creating Levittown on Long Island in 1947, offering quality homes with modern appliances at reasonable prices. This model was a success, leading to expansions in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania during the 1950s.

In the late 1950s, Levitt initiated a new project in Bowie, Maryland, called "Belair at Bowie." This development, centered around a historic mansion, featured various home styles with modern amenities like central air conditioning. The homes were built on concrete slabs and were attractively priced, drawing significant interest.

Levitt aimed not just to build houses, but to foster a community. Belair's homes, available in different styles and colors, contributed to a diverse and pleasant neighborhood. The development was planned with ease and affordability in mind, quickly becoming popular among middle-class families.

Levitt’s company, known for creating affordable and appealing neighborhoods post-World War II, implemented a unique system in their Bowie, Maryland development to enhance its charm and navigability. Each neighborhood section was organized alphabetically. The initial area, Somerset, featured streets starting with "S," and was soon followed by Buckingham, Kenilworth, Foxhill, and Tulip Grove, known to locals as the "B," "K," "F," and "T" sections. This organizational method not only added character but also made it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the expanding community.

However, Levitt's developments had a significant flaw: a policy of racial exclusion, preventing people of color from purchasing homes in Belair. This discriminatory practice was a stark contrast to the current community spirit and prosperity of Bowie, which eventually became Maryland's fifth-largest city. Today Bowie, Maryland is more than just a dot on the map. It's a thriving, diverse community, rich in culture, youth, and a forward-thinking spirit. As it continues to grow and evolve, Bowie remains a beacon of American diversity and dynamism.

“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.

Start thinking about who you will vote for as the Best Coffee Shop in the Bowie Area. We will ask you to provide the name of your favorite coffee shop, collect and tally the votes then announce the winner.

How did we do in this issue of Bowie Insider?