Issue #028

January 31

• Community Matters With Police Chief Preston, Covington Community Center, 3750 Elder Oaks Blvd, Bowie, MD 7 PM - 9 PM

• 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

• Maryland Unclaimed Property Day

• Board of Education: Work Sessions and Public Hearings to review the Superintendent’s Proposed Operating Budget, Work Session 5:00pm, Public Hearing 7:00pm

• 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

• Cat & Kitten Adoption Event, Bowie Marketplace Petco. 12:00pm

• 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 4

• Postpartum Vision Board Party, South Bowie Branch Library, PGCMLS, Hall Road, Bowie, MD. 10:30am - 12:30pm

February 8

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0-2, 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715. 10:15am - 10:45am

• Deanna Bogart with Eric Scott, Dan Leonard, and Deren Blessman, Old Bowie Town Grille, 8604 Chestnut Avenue Bowie, MD 7pm-10pm

February 9

• 8 Ball After Dark: Let's Connect, Center Pocket Cafe & Billiards, Tesla Drive, Bowie, MD. 8:00 AM - 02:00 PM

• 2024 Guest Registration-Night to Shine Prom. Cresthill Church

  6510 Laurel Bowie Rd., Bowie MD 20716. 6:00pm - 9:00pm

February 10

• Hearts & Frosting: Mommy & Me Valentines Day Cake Decorating Class, Bowie Town Center, Emerald Way, Bowie, MD

  15606 Emerald Way Bowie, MD 20716. 11:30am - 1:00pm

• "EmpowerHer" a Path to Homeownership & Financial Management, 1525 Pointer Ridge Place Bowie, MD 20716. 11:00am - 1:00pm

• Electronics Recycling Event, Public Works Department 16500 Annapolis Road, Bowie, MD 20716, 8:00am - 2:00pm

• Valentine's Day Dinner and Live Music Event, 6800 Laurel - Bowie Road Bowie, MD 20715. 4:00pm - 8:00pm

• Dance Dimensions Presents: "Our Rhythm & Our Blues" (Cast A), Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715

• Black Girl Meetup: Talking a Latte About Love, Barnes & Noble

  15455 Emerald Way Bowie, MD 20716, 10:30am - 12:30pm

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Governor Wes Moore proclaims February 1, “Unclaimed Property Day” in Maryland

According to the Maryland Department of Taxation's, February 1, 2024 is now proclaimed “Unclaimed Property Day” by Governor Wes MooreI t is a day dedicated to raising awareness about unclaimed property and assisting residents in reclaiming assets that belong to them. In 2023, $81M in unclaimed funds were returned.

Unclaimed property can include things like bank accounts, wages, insurance benefits, and safe deposit box contents that have been forgotten or left inactive. The state holds these assets until the rightful owners or heirs claim them. The specific date and activities of Unclaimed Property Day might vary, but the focus would be on educating the public and facilitating the return of unclaimed property.

For more information, visit Maryland's Unclaimed Property.

To search for unclaimed property, visit Search MD Unclaimed.

BVFD Confronts Staff Shortage, Offers Rewards - Your Chance to Make a Difference!

The Bowie Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) in Maryland is facing a severe staffing shortage, highlighted by a recent incident where a house fire in Bowie required an emergency response with limited resources. On January 26th, two of Bowie's fire engines were out of service to support ambulance crews due to high call volumes and staffing issues, leaving only one engine for fire and EMS responses. Founded in 1928, BVFD operates from three stations and possesses a range of firefighting and emergency equipment but is hindered by inadequate staffing.

To combat this, the BVFD is actively seeking volunteers, highlighting the sense of community and service involved in firefighting and EMS roles. They also offer positions in administrative and support areas. To attract volunteers, benefits include a $3500 state tax credit, free training, a retirement benefits program, and advancement opportunities. The department also emphasizes its state-of-the-art equipment and computing facilities.

These efforts are crucial for maintaining and enhancing Bowie's emergency response capabilities. The BVFD's role extends beyond emergency services, as they also engage in community activities like food drives and local events, reinforcing their position as both first responders and community pillars. For more information visit the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department.

The Magic of Reading to Your Toddler: 5 Incredible Benefits

As parents, we are always on the lookout for ways to nurture our children's growth and development from a very early age. One of the most powerful and enjoyable ways to do this is by reading to your toddler. While it may seem like a simple activity, it packs a punch when it comes to benefits for your little one. Here are five incredible advantages of reading to your toddler, and why it's never too early to start this wonderful habit.

1. Building Language Skills:

Reading to your toddler introduces them to the wonderful world of words. It exposes them to a rich vocabulary and helps them develop their own language skills. By hearing various words and sentence structures, toddlers are more likely to develop better communication skills and a larger vocabulary, setting a strong foundation for their academic journey.

2. Cognitive Development:

Reading engages a toddler's brain in a multitude of ways. As they listen to a story, they are learning to follow a narrative, make predictions, and connect cause-and-effect relationships. These cognitive skills are essential for problem-solving and critical thinking later in life.

3. Bonding and Emotional Connection:

Reading is not just about the words on the page; it's also about the quality time you spend together. When you read to your toddler, you create a special bonding experience. They associate reading with comfort, love, and security, which can contribute to their emotional well-being and strengthen your parent-child relationship.

4. Developing a Love for Books:

By introducing your toddler to the world of books, you are sowing the seeds of a lifelong love for reading. When they associate books with positive experiences, they are more likely to become avid readers as they grow. This passion for reading can open up endless opportunities for learning and exploration.

5. Improved Concentration and Attention Span:

Toddlers are known for their short attention spans, but reading regularly can help improve their focus and concentration. As they listen to a story, they learn to sit still, listen attentively, and follow the plot. This ability to concentrate will serve them well as they progress through school and life.

In conclusion, reading to your toddler is a simple yet incredibly powerful way to support their early development. It stimulates their language skills, nurtures their cognitive abilities, strengthens your emotional connection, fosters a love for books, and enhances their attention span. So, grab a cozy spot, a favorite book, and start enjoying the many benefits of reading with your toddler today. It's a magical journey you'll both cherish for years to come.

Resources for Parents and Providers

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System offers ‘Ready 2 Read Storytime for Ages 0-2 and 2-3 at two locations - 15301 Hall Road, Bowie, Maryland, 20721 and 15210 Annapolis Rd. Bowie, MD 20715.