Issue #026

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.

Events in and around Bowie

January 30

• Empower Your Leadership: Mastering 4 Key Strategies for 2024 Success, Bowie Baysox, Prince George's Stadium, 4101 Crain Hwy, Bowie, MD 20716 11:30am - 1:00pm

January 31

• QuickBooks/Bookkeeping Open Door, Bowie BIC

  14000 Jericho Park Rd Suite 2312, Bowie, MD. 12:00pm - 4:00pm

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

• Vision Board Party, 16701 Melford Boulevard #100 Bowie, MD 20715, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

• 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 1

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0-2, 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD, 3:15pm - 3:45pm

February 2

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 3-5, 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD. 10:15am - 10:45am

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

• Fall in Love with Homeownership - Seminar, Prince Georges County Library - South Bowie Location. 12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Celebrating Black Women’s Voices in Fiction, 15301 Hall Rd Bowie, MD 20721. 2:00pm - 3:00pm

• 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

February 9

• 8 Ball After Dark: Let's Connect, Center Pocket Cafe & Billiards, Tesla Drive, Bowie, MD

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

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

Nestled in the bustling heart of Bowie, Maryland, a modest wooden box stands as a testament to community spirit and generosity. This is the Little Free Pantry (LFP) at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church, a beacon of hope for those in need and a shining example of neighbors helping neighbors.

A Simple Idea with Profound Impact

The LFP, located in the parking lot of St. Matthew’s UMC at 14900 Annapolis Road, is more than just a box. It’s a lifeline for residents who find themselves having to choose between essential needs. Stocked with nonperishable food and personal hygiene items, the pantry operates on a simple yet powerful principle: "Give What You Can—Take What You Need."

How the Little Free Pantry Helps Bowie

In a community as diverse and dynamic as Bowie, the Little Free Pantry plays a crucial role. It's not just about providing emergency supplies; it's about maintaining dignity, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring that no one has to go without basic necessities. The LFP is open 24/7, offering anonymous, no-questions-asked assistance, making it a reliable resource for those in immediate need.

Getting Involved: A Community Effort

St. Matthew's UMC invites everyone to participate. You can contribute by donating nonperishable, unexpired food and hygiene products in unopened, unbreakable containers. If the pantry is full, donations can be placed in the designated outside bin by the church’s front door. This act of giving not only supports the pantry but also strengthens the bonds within the Bowie community.

A Little Goes a Long Way

For those in need, the LFP provides more than just physical nourishment; it offers a glimmer of hope and a reminder that they are not alone. The message is clear: take what you need but leave something for the next person. This ethos of shared responsibility and mutual aid is what makes the Little Free Pantry a cornerstone of the Bowie community.

Spreading the Word

Awareness is key to the success of the Little Free Pantry. By spreading the word, more people can contribute to this vital resource, and those in need can learn about this available support. It’s a simple gesture, but it can make a world of difference.

The Little Free Pantry at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church is more than just a place to exchange goods. It's a symbol of hope, care, and community solidarity. In times of need, it stands as a reminder that the Bowie community is a family, always ready to extend a helping hand.

For more information or to get involved, please contact [email protected]. Together, we can make a difference, one small act of kindness at a time. For more information visit Little Free Pantry.

From Court to Community: DeMatha Basketball Team's Inspiring Journey in Giving Back

In a touching example of community engagement, the varsity basketball team of DeMatha High School has revisited the Jerami Grant '12 Hour Generation Foundation Farm located in Bowie. This visit is particularly meaningful as the team comes to harvest the winter crops that they had previously sown in the autumn. Their involvement extends far beyond the basketball arena, positively impacting the wider community.

This project represents more than just agricultural work; it's a profound lesson in social responsibility and human compassion. The crops, grown with care by the team, are designated for those in need, underscoring the importance of community contribution. This initiative reveals the players in a new light, showcasing them as empathetic individuals with strong character.

The engagement of the DeMatha basketball team in this endeavor mirrors the school's dedication to comprehensive education. It underlines the significance of cultivating not only athletic talent but also a deep-seated sense of community service and kindness. The same hands that excel in basketball are also extending support and hope to others through their efforts on the farm.

By being involved in every stage of the farm's cycle, from planting to harvesting, the young athletes are learning valuable lessons in diligence, patience, and the rewards of hard work. Their participation has a far-reaching effect, not only providing immediate food assistance but also serving as a powerful example of the impact of teamwork and community involvement.

The story of the DeMatha basketball team serves as an inspiring reminder of the broader role sports can play in life. It highlights the development of character, strengthening of community ties, and the significant difference they can make in the lives of others. The team's actions at the farm stand as a lasting symbol of their exceptional character and the extensive positive impact sports can have beyond the competitive arena.

Bowie State University-Community Partnership Breathes New Life into Local Forest Areas

Bowie State University is taking significant strides in environmental conservation by teaming up with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. This collaboration is centered on revitalizing the forest regions adjacent to the university's northeastern perimeter. Supported by a substantial grant of $579,576 from the National Fish & Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake WILD program, the project aims to improve and utilize an 86-acre forest section near Bulldog Stadium, extending towards the Patuxent River. This enhancement is designed for both recreational and academic enrichment.

The initiative extends beyond the university, encompassing the restoration of 255 acres of land along Route 197. This effort, also involving a major partnership with the Maryland Park Service, includes clearing and refurbishing overgrown trails to make them more welcoming and accessible to the university community and the general public. The responsibility for maintaining these lands is shared, with Bowie State University overseeing the campus portion and the Maryland Park Service managing the remaining areas.

Beyond recreation, this project presents significant educational opportunities. Bowie State students stand to gain from a range of experiences, including internships, entry-level employment, guided field exercises, and academic integration, particularly within the Department of Natural Sciences. The project, led by Jenny McGarvey of the Alliance and Jabari Walker, Bowie State’s energy and sustainability coordinator, highlights the vital role of restoring natural environments for the benefit of both the ecosystem and human health.Share Bowie Insider

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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.

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