The city of Laurel's Open House, originally scheduled for March 1, has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 22, 1 to 4 p.m. Mayor Craig Moe and the City Council members invite you and your family to attend thisyearly event, held at the Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road.
It's a good chance to meet and talk to the people who make the municipality run on a day-to-day basis. A number of civic associations located in and around town will be represented as well. You will have a chance to tour City Hall, be provided with refreshments and entertainment, and leave with a few take-away items from various departments.
For more information, contact the Department of Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Joanne Barr at 301-725-5300, Ext. 2307.
As an aside, many thanks to the hardworking men and women at the Department of Public Works, who were diligent in their effort to keep streets clear during several recent ice storms and snowfalls. Let's hope those days are behind us, even if for but a brief few months, during the spring and summer.
Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services, 311 Laurel Ave., reached out via a social media posting asking for donations of its "Top Ten Most Wanted Food Items." The list includes cereal, instant oatmeal, canned tuna, jelly and rice. Finishing out the wish list are peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, canned meats, macaroni and cheese and pop-top canned food items. Please make sure none of the items you donate have expired. You may call Stephanie Guzman, 301-776-0422, the LARS volunteer coordinator, if you would like to discuss opportunities to help, or if your organization is interested in sponsoring a food drive.
Members of the Laurel Senior Friendship Club will hold their annual Spring Flea Market and Craft Show Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center, 7120 Contee Road (behind Laurel Regional Hospital). Jewelry and other handmade items will be offered, as well as a variety of treasures, which had been relegated to attics and basements. A bake sale and snack bar will be available to hungry shoppers. Fee for vendors for an 8-foot table is $20. Call Betty Mannas at 301-953-2503 to obtain a vendor reservation form or to get more details.
Old Town's Main Street Festival is a yearly tradition. This year's event will be held on Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day has become an unofficial local holiday of sorts, and is a wonderful way to become acquainted with businesses that operate on a daily basis along the historic roadway. There is something for everyone to enjoy, and it's the perfect place to pick up a last-minute Mother's Day gift.
You will want to make a day of it. Pets are not permitted; please leave them at home. If you are interested in participating as a vendor, call the Laurel Board of Trade at 301-483-0838. A list of recommendations for vendors is available on the group's web page, laurelboardoftrade.net.
See you there!