Issue #022

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

Daily Events in and around Bowie

January 23

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

• Final Stakeholder’s Meeting and Design Presentation for New Ice Arena, Kenhill Center 2614 Kenhill Dr, Bowie, MD, 7:00pm

• CRABBY TUESDAY HAPPY HOUR with KARAOKE, 5 Sisters Restaurant, 12617 Laurel - Bowie Rd, Laurel, MD 5:00pm -11:00pm

• Author Book Release of “Things I Tell Myself” by April T Smith, Signing With Meet & Greet, Center Pocket Cafe' & Billiards 4931 Tesla Drive, Unit H Bowie, MD 20715.

January 24

• Wednesday Night Classic Jam, Old Bowie Town Grille

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

• Jazz & Wine Wednesdays @ Party HQ featuring Jazz Chronicles w/ Kevin Walker, Party HQ 15606 Emerald Way, Bowie, MD. 7-10pm

January 25

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0-2, 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD, 10:15am - 10:45am

• Small Business Networking Event, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

  4101 Town Center Blvd, Bowie, MD, 7-9pm

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 

• "Disentangled" Book Reading & Discussion with Author Kia DuPree, South Bowie Branch Library, 15301 Hall Road Bowie, MD 20721

• 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

• Bowie State University - Free 21 Day Course for Inner Peace & Joy, Virtual event

• SWAMPOODLE come to Old Bowie Town Grille, 8604 Chestnut Ave, Bowie, MD 7:00pm

January 28

• Grayson Moon Live Music, The Blackwall Barn & Lodge

  329 Gambrills Rd, Gambrills, MD. 11:00am - 2:00pm

January 31

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

• Amateur Radio Operators and FCC Licensed Technician Class with the Bowie Wireless Assoc. a 501(c)3 Amateur Radio Club. Virtual Class. For registration info contact [email protected]

  Want to add your event in Bowie Insider? Click Here to submit the event.

Teen Girl Wrestling Phenom, Taina Fernandez, Breaks Barriers in Maryland

Taina Fernandez, a 14-year-old wrestler from Bowie, Maryland, has emerged as a formidable competitor in the wrestling world. Ranked No. 1 among female wrestlers in the U.S., she has also started to make her presence felt in the male wrestling circuit. A student at Archbishop Spalding High School, Taina's wrestling journey began a decade ago, leading to her winning multiple gold medals, including at the Pan-American games. She has shown remarkable prowess, nearly defeating a Canadian national team member and consistently outperforming male opponents. Her coach, Mike Laidley, and teammates at Spalding highly regard her skill and work ethic. Taina credits her training with male wrestlers for enhancing her technique and competitive edge. With ambitions to win a state title, she continues to challenge gender norms and excel in both female and male wrestling categories. Read the full story.

Where Business Meets Academia: Bowie State's Pioneering Approach to Entrepreneurship

At the heart of Bowie State University's historic grounds, the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) shines as a guiding light for both budding and seasoned entrepreneurs. Integrated within this renowned historically black university's dynamic academic setting, the center uniquely combines scholarly insight with actionable business strategies.

Functioning more than just a service, the SBDC at Bowie State University is a crucial ally in promoting economic development and business achievement. Based in the College of Business and Graduate Studies, it offers tailored one-on-one and group counseling every Tuesday by prior arrangement, providing easily accessible, individualized support.

Leading this impactful initiative is Mr. Mark Wells, a proud Bowie State University graduate with extensive experience in banking and business management consulting. Wells' profound connection to the City of Bowie and his professional acumen render him an essential figure in the local business milieu. Under his stewardship, business owners and entrepreneurs are equipped to deftly handle the complexities of business growth.

The SBDC's offerings are all-encompassing, spanning from detailed business planning guides to advice on streamlined business models. Recognizing the distinctiveness of each business venture, the center's resources cater to a wide array of needs. Assistance ranges from crafting business strategies to providing insights on market analysis, demographics, and sector-specific information.

Furthermore, the SBDC is a part of Bowie State University's broader business support network. This network includes the Bowie Business Innovation Center (BIC), an accelerator and cooperative workspace, and the Maryland Women’s Business Center, dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs. These institutions synergize to form a comprehensive support framework for businesses at different growth phases.

The Maryland Small Business Development Center at Bowie State University represents more than a mere facility; it's a pillar of community, an engine of economic advancement, and a beacon of inspiration. Emblematic of the university's dedication to tangible, real-world influence, and the vibrant spirit of entrepreneurship driving the economy, the SBDC is an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs at all stages, from novices with fresh ideas to established businesses aiming to expand.

Tired of being a best kept secret in Bowie? Stop hiding your business behind brick wall. Have your business spotlighted in the Bowie Insider - Submit Here

Don’t Get on Cupid’s Naughty List: A Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

On Valentine's Day I forgot the gift. My name on the naughty list took a swift shift. Cupid frowned and took his quill, wrote my name with a playful skill. "Oops," I said, "I've made a blunder, no roses, chocolates, or even thunder."

My sweetheart laughed, said, "It's okay, Your love is my gift, every single day!" So here's a tip, clear and brisk, forgetting gifts is quite a risk. But if love's true, it will persist, even if you're on Cupid's naughty list!

Here are a few ideas in the Valentine’s Day Gift Guide to get your juices flowing, EARLY, so that you don’t end up on Cupid’s naughty list 😍

“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.

Voting for the Best Coffee Shop will open on Friday, January 26.

How did we do in this issue of Bowie Insider?