Issue #045

Winter Weather Advisory issued for 11:00 p.m. Friday, February 16 to 7:00am Saturday February 17.

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS): All PGCPS athletics, activities, and facilities use are canceled for Saturday, February 17, 2024 due to expected inclement weather.

Love Takes the Ice: Bowie's Valentine's Figure Skating Competition

Excitement is in the air as the Bowie Ice Arena in Bowie, Maryland, gears up to host the Valentine's Figure Skating Competition today, February 17, 2024. This much-loved event promises to bring together skaters of all ages and skill levels in a celebration of grace, talent, and the spirit of Valentine's Day.

The competition, known for its friendly yet competitive atmosphere, offers a unique opportunity for local skaters to showcase their abilities. Participants will compete in various categories, ensuring that everyone from beginners to advanced athletes can find their moment in the spotlight. The event serves as a platform for skaters to demonstrate their hard work and dedication, performing routines that blend technical skill with artistic expression.

The Valentine's theme adds an extra layer of excitement to the competition, with participants and spectators encouraged to embrace the spirit of the day. The ice arena will be adorned with decorations that reflect the love and joy of Valentine's Day, creating a festive backdrop for the performances.

As the community comes together to support the athletes, the event promises to be more than just a competition; it's a celebration of the passion and perseverance that define figure skating. Judges will be on hand to score the performances, looking for a combination of technical precision and artistic flair.

Whether you're a figure skating aficionado or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate Valentine's Day, the Valentine's Figure Skating Competition at the Bowie Ice Arena is an event not to be missed. It's a wonderful opportunity to cheer on local talent, enjoy the beauty of figure skating, and maybe even fall a little more in love with this incredible sport.

Location: Bowie Ice Arena: 3330 Northview Dr, Bowie, MD 20716

Feb. 17: 1:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Feb. 18: 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Commentary: Don’t balance Prince George’s County’s budget on the backs of our kids

Residents of Prince George's County have historically supported their public schools through additional funding, notably approving a casino revenue initiative to bolster education finances. This support is now at risk due to two legislative proposals, HB 396 and HB 398, aiming to redirect these funds away from education, potentially depriving the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) of over $60 million. The Prince George’s County House Delegation has postponed decisions on these bills after public outcry highlighted the potential negative impacts on the school system.

These legislative attempts have sparked significant concern among parents and educators, worried about the loss of essential resources for student success. The delay in action offers a chance to advocate for the permanent dismissal of these bills and tackle the systemic underfunding of local schools. This situation underscores the recurring problem of reallocating funds at the expense of education, despite previous commitments to adequately support PGCPS.

The controversy calls for decisive leadership from figures like County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and reinforces the necessity of maintaining, if not increasing, education funding to address the challenges faced by PGCPS. The community's united stance against these proposals reflects a deep commitment to prioritizing education and ensuring the sustained progress and success of Prince George's County's students amidst financial challenges.

Read the full story on Maryland Matters

MSEA Backs Bold Move for Educational Equity with House Bill 789

The Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) endorses House Bill 789, advocating for equitable educational reform in Maryland. This legislation aims to allocate resources fairly, especially to schools in impoverished areas, and to expand student support services, recognizing the link between socio-economic status and educational outcomes. MSEA's support emphasizes the belief that quality education should be accessible to all, viewing this bill as a crucial step towards dismantling educational disparities and promoting a more inclusive society.

Watch the 7News 1-on-1 With Bowie Police Department Chief Dwayne Preston

Winter Weather Advisory - Check event for scheduling

February 17

• Couples Love Meditation - A Sensual Sound Bath Experience for Couples, South Bowie Branch Library, PGCMLS, 15301 Hall Road, Bowie, 20721. 11:30am to 12:30pm

• Bowie ISI Valentine’s Figure Skating Competition, Bowie Ice Arena, 3330 Northview Dr, Bowie, MD 20716. 1:00pm

• Black History Family Affair, Lake Arbor Community Center

  10100 Lake Arbor Way, Bowie 20721, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

• Jyla's Studio of Dance Presents: All Of My Help 2, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie, MD 20715 4:00pm

• Funny Southern Gals Comedy Show, Bowie Center For The Performing Arts 15200 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715 7pm-9pm

• The Halfsmokes, Old Bowie Town Grille, 8604 Chestnut Avenue, Bowie, MD 7:00pm - 10:00pm

February 18

• Araminta: An American Shero: The Real Harriet Tubman Story, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie, MD 20715. 2:00pm & 7:00pm

• Sixx Cool Moms of PG County Sweet Treats for Valentine's Day, 15480 Annapolis Rd Suite 204, Bowie, MD.

• Straight 2 The Heart - Zumbathon Fundraiser, Fitness 4 Less Gym 6824 Laurel Bowie Road Bowie, MD 20715 2:30pm - 4:30pm

February 19

• The City of Bowie offices are closed for Presidents' Day and trash and recycling collection is canceled on that date.

• Party Planning Networking Day Party, M Lounge Events, 15619 Emerald Way, Bowie, MD 20716. 12:00pm - 3:00pm

February 20

• Glenn Dale Citizens' Association February Meeting, Virtual Event, Register by sending an email to [email protected]. 7:30pm

• AARP Smart Driver Course™, Bowie Senior Center, 14900 Health Center Dr Bowie, MD 20716 9:45 am to 3:00pm

February 21

• Coffee with a Cop: Coffee and conversations with Bowie Police officers, Starbucks Free State Shopping Center

  15480 Annapolis Road Bowie, MD 20715. 10:00am - 12:00pm

February 23

• Council Member Ingrid S. Watson Presents District 4 Reusable Bags Giveaway, City of Bowie City Hall 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie, MD 20716 - 8:30am - 10:00am

• Black History Wellness & Fashion Show, Bowie State University, Student Center, 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD 20715. 6:00pm - 9:00pm

• Men of Distinction Presents: The 2nd Annual Black History Showcase, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie, MD 20715. 6:00pm

February 24

• Joe Clair Presents: Bangin’ In Bowie featuring Talent and John Hinton, Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, 15200 Annapolis Rd Bowie, MD 20715. 7:00pm and 9:00pm

• A Taste of HAE, by the Hope and Encouragement Foundation. The Royal Ballroom, Old Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, MD, 20720. 6:30pm - 11pm

• Fall In Love with Candle Making Workshop, 6600 Laurel - Bowie Road Bowie, MD 20715. 1:00pm - 3:30pm

• City of Bowie National Anthem and Voice of Bowie Auditions, open to individuals and groups.

February 26

• "The Upstanders" Film & Discussion hosted by the Bowie Youth & Family Services. Free. Seating is limited. Registration Required 6:00pm

February 27

• Community Matters with Bowie Police Chief Dwayne A. Preston, Huntington Community Center 13022 8th St, Bowie, MD 20715. 7:00pm - 9:00pm

• Open Mic: Fresh Voices Series: Presented by Dialect Poets of Prince George’s County (Teens 13 - 18). 15210 Annapolis Rd, Bowie, MD 20715. 4:00pm - 5:30pm

February 28

• #BowieSpeaks Community Conversation hosted by the City of Bowie Diversity Committee in honor of Black History Month. Theme, “What Happened to the Dream?”. City Hall Council Chambers 15901 Fred Robinson Way Bowie, MD 20716 7:00pm to 8:00pm

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