Due to the intense interest in the proposals to build maglev lines in our community, County Councilwoman Mary Lehman is holding a Maglev informational meeting on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Deerfield Run Elementary School, 13000 Laurel Bowie Road (Route 197).
It appears that there are two routes now under consideration for the high-speed train from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore. Both run parallel to the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. One route would employ the right of eminent domain to com through the Montpelier Hills neighborhood; the other would cut through the NASA Goddard, NSA and Fort Mead areas. There would be no stops in our community, so the benefit to our residents appears to be slim. Let’s all go to the Feb. 24 meeting to make our voices heard.
Recently there has been a noticeable increase in cars parked along Route 197 near the intersection with Old Stage Coach Road on the shoulder/break down lane across from Deerfield Run Elementary. Lehman has received many inquiries concerning the situation and has corresponded with county officials.The response thus far is that there does not seem to be a need to reconfigure traffic patterns at the intersection. The sudden increase in cars parked in the shoulder/breakdown lane in recent months has not been explained. Lehman will continue to investigate.
With the advent of colder weather, South Laurel/Montpelier residents have noticed apparently stray or feral cats seeking shelter and food. Laurel Cats urges residents to contact its organization to Trap Neuter and Release (TNR) these felines. Laurel Cats will neuter the cats, give them needed injections and then release them. The result over several years has been a dramatic decline in the free-roaming population and in complaints received. The reported euthanasia of the cats in the county has dropped from 160 in 2012, to less than 20 in 2017. The cats remain true to their free-roaming nature, but are generally healthier and no longer creating additions to the population.
Contact Laurel Cats at info@laurelcats.org and/or stop by its table at the Mayor’s Open House on March 4 to learn more about the worthwhile program. Morris and Garfield will thank you!
Need a break from the winter weather? Montpelier Arts Center has several exhibits waiting for you. Through Feb. 25, view “Relics and Prospects” in celebration of Black History Month. This exhibit uses found objects and symbolism to depict the journey of being black in our society through paint, mixed media and sculpture. Also through Feb. 25, “In Care of the White House” features documents and reproductions of art works sent to and from the White House presented by artist Steven Silberg. From March 4 -31, welcome young and emerging artists ages 13-18 who are residents of our metro area at the Sixth Annual Artists on the Rise: Juried Teen Exhibition. A reception and awards ceremony to honor the young talent will be held on Saturday, March 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. All of these events are free to the public. The arts center is open from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week.