Issue #025

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

Events in and around Bowie

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]

February 3

• Charly Palmer Art Show, 15402 Emerald Way, Bowie, MD 20716, 9:00am

• Bird walk at Fran Uhler Natural Area, Fran Uhler Natural Area

  10300 Lemons Bridge Rd, Bowie, MD, 7:30am-10:30am

• Bowie Sci-Fi/Fantasy Game Factory, 7507 Hillmeade Rd, Bowie, MD, 5:00pm-8:00pm

• Give Kids A Smile Day, 10201 Martin Luther King Junior Highway Bowie, MD 20720, 10:00am - 1:00pm

  🗓 Add your event in Bowie Insider? Click Here to submit your upcoming event.

Shaping Bowie's Future: Mayor Adams Champions Safety, Education, and Equality

Mayor Timothy J. Adams of Bowie, Maryland, has distinguished himself with a focus on community enrichment and inclusive leadership. Holding historic significance as the city's first African American and physically disabled mayor since his election in 2019, Adams brings over three decades of experience in business, government, and philanthropy.

He is the founder of SA-TECH, a global technology firm serving the U.S. Department of Defense, and holds degrees from Xavier University and the University of New Orleans, plus an honorary doctorate from Bowie State University. Adams is actively involved in educational and social justice initiatives, advocating for youth empowerment, equality, and support for the Armed Forces. His board memberships across various organizations demonstrate his broad commitment to community development. As Mayor, Adams prioritizes safety, family-friendly policies, responsible development, and quality education in Bowie.

A Harvest of Hope: Bowie's Food Pantries Tackle Food Insecurity with Community Spirit

A remarkable community-driven initiative is making a significant difference in the lives of those battling food insecurity. Food pantries, deeply embedded within the community, are doing more than just feeding the hungry; they represent a beacon of hope and solidarity in challenging times.

Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Aid Fund

Situated at 2614 Kenhill Drive, Suite 134, this pantry is a crucial support system for residents of Prince George's County. It serves those who meet certain income criteria, requiring new clients to arrange an appointment for enrollment. Qualified clients are allowed to visit the pantry once or twice monthly, receiving two pre-packed bags filled with dry and canned food, personal care items, and toilet paper. Additionally, the pantry provides fresh produce and perishables, ensuring a well-rounded diet for those it serves.

Pantry Garden

A standout feature of the Bowie Interfaith Pantry is its garden, initiated in 2014. Spanning 2500 square feet on the City of Bowie Kenhill Center grounds, this garden is not only a source of fresh produce but also a symbol of community engagement and sustainable farming. It thrives thanks to local volunteers and support from the City of Bowie, contributing significantly to the pantry's offerings.

Volunteering and Donations

Volunteers and donors are the backbone of the pantry. Contributions are accepted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The pantry welcomes various items, including canned meats, healthy snacks, soup, fresh produce, financial donations, and personal care products. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the pantry directly.

Impact and Outreach

The exact number of individuals aided by these pantries each month may not be clear, but their extensive services and well-organized operations indicate a profound impact on the community. These pantries are not just about providing food; they offer hope and support to many in need.

For further information, volunteering opportunities, or to make a donation, contacting the pantries directly is recommended. The Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Aid Fund can be contacted through their website or at 301-262-6765.

In Bowie, MD, these food pantries exemplify the strength of community spirit and collective effort in tackling the challenge of food insecurity.

Rolling the Dice for Education: How Maryland's Casinos Contribute to Local Schools and Communities

Maryland's casino industry has become a significant source of revenue for the state, particularly benefiting the Education Trust Fund. In December 2023, the six casinos in Maryland generated a combined total of $165.6 million in gaming revenue, with contributions to the state totaling $70.2 million. Out of this amount, a notable $50.7 million was directed to the Education Trust Fund. This pattern of contribution is consistent across different months. For example, in May 2023, the casinos generated $169.4 million in revenue, contributing $70.8 million to the state, of which $51.5 million went to the Education Trust Fund​​​​.

These contributions are part of a larger trend where a significant portion of casino revenues is allocated to education. Maryland voters had approved an amendment to the State Constitution in 2018, ensuring that video lottery terminal revenues are safeguarded for educational purposes. This amendment outlined escalating supplemental funding goals, reaching 100% of the gaming revenues dedicated to public education in each subsequent year​​.

The impact of casino revenues on the Education Trust Fund has been noteworthy. Since the first casino opened in 2010, more than $3.0 billion has been contributed to the fund. This money supports various educational initiatives, including early childhood education, public elementary and secondary education, school construction, and capital improvement projects. Approximately 30% of the entire casino gaming revenue is allocated to the Education Trust Fund, underlining the importance of this sector to Maryland's educational funding. Are you for or against more casinos in the state of Maryland?

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.

How did we do in this issue of Bowie Insider?