Discover the Magic of Volunteering - Issue #068

Discover the Magic of Volunteering: Transform Your Community and Yourself!

Volunteering in your community offers a multitude of benefits, both for the individual and the collective. Beyond the immediate satisfaction of making a difference, volunteering fosters a sense of connection and belonging. It strengthens social bonds, creating a support network that transcends individual interests. Moreover, volunteering is a powerful catalyst for personal growth, providing opportunities to learn new skills, gain experience, and boost self-esteem.

Engaging in community service also promotes physical and mental well-being, as it encourages physical activity, reduces stress, and cultivates a sense of purpose. Additionally, volunteering can enhance professional prospects, offering valuable networking opportunities and demonstrating dedication and leadership to potential employers. Ultimately, by giving back to your community, you not only enrich the lives of others but also experience profound benefits that ripple through every aspect of your own life.

Opportunities to volunteer in Bowie include:

1. Bowie Food Pantry: Help distribute food to those in need and organize donation drives.

2. Bowie Animal Shelter: Assist with animal care, including walking dogs, socializing cats, and cleaning kennels.

3. Bowie Senior Center: Spend time with seniors, engage in activities, or help with meal services and transportation.

4. Bowie Parks and Recreation: Participate in park clean-up events, maintain trails, or volunteer at community festivals.

5. Bowie Public Library: Assist with shelving books, helping patrons, or supporting children's programs.

6. Bowie Health Center: Provide patient support services or assist with administrative tasks.

7. Bowie Boys and Girls Clubs: Coach a youth sports team, referee games, or organize tournaments.

8. City of Bowie: Volunteer to serve on community committees, green projects and Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

9. Grace Gives Food Ministry: Assist in prepping/Sorting, distributing food boxes, clean-up, greeter.

10. University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, opportunities involve direct health care, we have opportunities in the clerical, reception and transportation fields.

Consider this list of opportunities for high school students in Prince George’s County Schools, which has community service hours as a requirement for graduation.

Building Brighter Futures: The Power of Early Childhood Reading

Unlocking a world of endless possibilities begins with a single page turned at a young age. Encouraging children to embrace reading from the outset lays the foundation for a lifetime of intellectual growth and exploration. Early literacy not only sharpens cognitive skills but also nurtures creativity, empathy, and critical thinking.

Introducing books to children in their formative years instills a love for learning that transcends generations. From fantastical adventures to historical tales, each page becomes a gateway to new worlds and perspectives, fostering a thirst for knowledge that knows no bounds.

Moreover, early readers often develop stronger communication skills, enhancing their ability to express themselves effectively in both written and verbal forms. As they grow, this proficiency becomes a cornerstone for academic success and personal development.

In essence, the importance of starting kids reading early cannot be overstated. It's not just about teaching them to read; it's about igniting a passion for discovery and instilling the belief that with every book opened, they hold the key to unlocking their brightest future.

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System offers several opportunities each week for early learners from ages 0-2, 2-3 and 3-5.

Bowie Branch

South Bowie Branch

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Women's History Month, originating from International Women's Day on March 8th, celebrates the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. Established in the United States in 1987, it highlights women's roles in shaping society, culture, and politics. This month serves as a reminder of the struggles women have faced and the progress made towards gender equality. It's a time to honor trailblazers who shattered barriers, paving the way for future generations. Women's History Month emphasizes the importance of acknowledging women's accomplishments, amplifying their voices, and continuing the fight for equity and inclusivity in all aspects of life.

Visit the City’s Online, Celebrating Women’s History Month

March 11

• Cocktails & Conversations: Networking Event Laurel 5:00pm - 6:30pm

• Ready 2 Read Storytime: Ages 0–2, South Bowie Library 15301 Hall Rd, Bowie, MD 20721, 11:00am - 11:30am

• Bowie Wireless association Ham Radio Club, Kenhill Center, Rm.121, 2614 Kenhill Dr. Bowie, The public is invited.

March 12

• Books to Movie: Screening "The Hate U Give" For Teens at South Bowie Library, 15301 Hall Rd, Bowie 4:30pm - 7:15pm

• Bowie Advisory Planning Board Public Hearing for Premiere A-2 Storage, City Hall Council Chambers Fred Robinson Way

  Bowie 7:00pm - 9:00pm

March 14

• Learn Real Estate From Beginning and Be an Expert 7:00pm

• DMV Nightlife Game Night Mix and Mingle, 5:00pm

• "Inspired by the Masters" Reception with the artists, Bowie City Hall 15901 Fred Robinson Way, Bowie 7:00pm - 8:00pm

March 15

• Middle School Night, City of Bowie Gymnasium 4100 Northview Dr, Bowie, MD 20716 7:00pm - 9:00pm

• Senior Program: St. Patrick's Day Party, Bowie Senior Center 14900 Health Center Dr. Bowie 1:00pm - 2:00pm

March 16

• Bowie Arts Committee Spring Arts and Crafts Market, Bowie Senior Center, 14900 Health Center Dr. Bowie, 9:00am - 2:00pm

March 17

• Wedding Bliss, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Greenbelt, MD 12:00pm - 5:00pm

March 20

• Steering wheel lock giveaway (for Kia and Hyundai vehicle owners) Bowie Police Information Center

  15456 Emerald Way, Bowie 12:00pm - 03:00pm

• Women's History Month Breakfast by the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce, The Grove Oak Creek Golf Club, 600 Bowieville Manor Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, 8am -10 am

• Prince George's County MeatOut Day 2024, A day to consider the health benefits of a plant-based diet for a Day

March 22

• Bowie High School Baseball - First Home Game of 2024 Season 15200 Annapolis Rd. Bowie, Free Event - 4:30pm

March 23

• Recovering the African American Burial Grounds at Sacred Heart, Belair Mansion 12207 Tulip Grove Road Bowie 2-3pm

• Bowie Baysox Annual Free Family FunFest, in conjunction with Macaroni KID Bowie-Crofton-Odenton at Prince George’s Stadium 4101 Crain Highway Bowie, MD 20716 10:00am to 1:00pm

👉️ Click Here to submit your upcoming events. 👈️ 

Are You Hiding Your Business in a Blue Envelope? 📨 

Are you hiding your business in a blue Valpak or the Money Mailer envelope? When these envelopes show up in a mailbox, a business owner hope that a consumers will open it and thumb through the pages to find their promotion or if it is trashed in 60 seconds or less. We’re not knocking this form of advertising; promoting your business in multiple forms is a good idea. When you advertise in the Bowie Insider, your ad shows up in front of local customers who may be in need of your products and services.

Explore advertising opportunities to showcase your business to local area residents; options include banners, section sponsors, directory listings and more. Also available are scroll stopping images for posting on social media so that potential customers always see fresh content on your pages.

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