Community Hero Search, Thanksgiving Blessings + Holiday Kickoff! 🦃

Happy FREEZING Tuesday, Laurel! 🥶

Thanksgiving week is almost here, and our community is buzzing with gratitude, celebration and holiday spirit! From heartwarming stories of heroism to meaningful traditions that feed families in need, this edition reminds us what makes Laurel truly special.

In today's edition, we're sharing a powerful story about a local family searching for the hero who saved a life, celebrating the return of Laurel Blessing Baskets for its 3rd year, and spotlighting the first winner of the “Show Us Your Laurel” contest. Plus, we've got 6 events happening THIS WEEK including Laurel Blessing Baskets, a tree lighting ceremony and multiple holiday markets!

And if you're planning ahead? We've got 27 events through the holidays—from the LARS Turkey Trot to holiday parades and Santa visits!

Let's dive in! 👇

A local Laurel family is on a heartfelt mission to find the stranger who may have saved their home, and possibly their lives, by alerting them to a fire on their porch.

The quick-thinking passerby noticed flames on the family's porch and immediately sprang into action. But here's where the story gets truly remarkable: instead of just calling 911, this hero used the home's Ring doorbell camera to connect directly with the homeowner's granddaughter through the app.

That instant communication made all the difference as she was able to alert her grandfather inside the home, who then teamed up with the passerby to put out the flames. What could have been a devastating tragedy was stopped in its tracks thanks to one person's awareness and quick action.

Now, the family is reaching out through local media and community channels, hoping to find this Good Samaritan to express their profound gratitude. They want to thank the person who didn't just walk by, but took the time to make sure everyone was safe.

If you were the person who spotted that porch fire and used the Ring camera to help, or if you know who it might be, please reach out. This family would love the chance to say thank you in person.

📺 Click here to watch the full story. Heroes walk among us every day, and sometimes they're the alert neighbors who refuse to just keep walking when something's wrong.

What began as a simple idea in the Laurel MD Connect Facebook group has grown into one of Laurel's most impactful grassroots efforts. Laurel Blessing Baskets is back for its third year, aiming to serve even more families than before.

The initiative started with 140 baskets in 2023, grew to 220 in 2024, and this year organizers hope to surpass last year's total. Each basket is filled with household essentials, non-perishable foods, and care items—all personally assembled and delivered by local volunteers to students and families across seven Laurel-area elementary schools: Bond Mill, Laurel Elementary, Harrison, Scotchtown Hills, Oaklands, Montpelier, and CMIT North.

The program is currently working to close the fundraising gap with the packing event just 1 day away on Wednesday, November 19th at Karnival Hall from 4:00-9:00 PM.

Those who can't attend in person can make monetary donations through the GoFundMe campaign. Volunteers have been designated to pack baskets on behalf of donors. Every contribution, whether one basket or twenty, goes directly to a local family. 💰 Click to donate to the GoFundMe

We're excited to launch a new community initiative: Show Us Your Laurel! Inspired by the incredible photography shared every so often in the Laurel MD Connect Facebook group, we're inviting everyday community members to submit their amateur photos for a chance to be featured right here in the newsletter.

Each edition, we'll select one winning photo that captures the beauty, spirit and character of Laurel. No professional equipment required, just your eye for what makes our town special.

And we're thrilled to announce our very first winner: Adrian Simmons!

Adrian's stunning photograph was taken on the Sunday before Veterans Day at Ivy Hill Cemetery on Sandy Spring Road, where volunteers gathered to place flags at veteran gravestones. The weather and light that afternoon were absolutely beautiful, and Adrian captured a powerful moment of community service and remembrance.

Joining the effort that day were members of the Air Force JROTC, a Cub Scout Pack, and numerous volunteers led by organizers Lisa and Christa. It was a moving tribute to those who served, and Adrian's photo preserves that moment perfectly.

This is exactly what "Show Us Your Laurel" is all about—everyday people capturing the moments, places and events that make our community what it is.

Got a photo you'd like to share? We'd love to see Laurel through your lens! Whether it's Main Street at sunset, a local event, nature along the Patuxent, or anything that says "Laurel" to you—email your photos to [email protected] with the subject line “Show Us Your Laurel” and you might be featured in an upcoming edition.

📸 Congratulations, Adrian! And thank you for showing us your Laurel.

Public art continues to brighten our community! A stunning new mural has been unveiled at Pho Wheels restaurant in Burtonsville, adding color, creativity, and visual appeal to this beloved local eatery.

Murals like this transform ordinary restaurant walls into works of art, creating memorable dining experiences and celebrating local culture. They make our favorite neighborhood spots more vibrant and give diners something beautiful to enjoy while supporting small businesses.

If you're craving delicious Vietnamese cuisine, head to Pho Wheels in Burtonsville and check out this eye-catching new addition while you enjoy a bowl of pho or your favorite Vietnamese dishes. It's a perfect example of how local businesses and artists can collaborate to make our community more beautiful.

Support local restaurants and local artists—it's a win-win for everyone!

This week is packed with community events! Here's what's happening around Laurel THIS WEEK (November 18-24):

Laurel Blessing Baskets 📅 Wednesday, November 19th from 4 PM to 9 PM 📍 Karnival Hall, 555 Main St, Laurel, MD | Help ensure local families have a meaningful Thanksgiving! Volunteer, donate or spread the word about this beautiful community initiative. 🔗 Learn more: laurelblessingbaskets.com

Friendsgiving Mezcal Dinner 📅 Wednesday, November 19th from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM📍 La Palapa Too, 7500 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD | Gather with friends for a special Friendsgiving celebration featuring mezcal pairings and delicious food! This adults-only evening combines the warmth of Thanksgiving with the festive spirit of friendship. 🎟️ Tickets $65 per person, limited seats available.

Annual Tree Lighting with Santa Claus 📅 Thursday, November 20th from 6 PM to 8 PM 📍 Towne Centre at Laurel, 14828 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, MD | The most magical night of the season is coming to Laurel Town Centre! Bring the family for an enchanting evening as we light up the holidays together. Admission is free but please register each member of your group so they can prepare good tidings! Please also be sure to bring a donation for the LARS holiday food baskets of cake or brownie mix along with a can of frosting.

Holly Days Bazaar 📅 Saturday, November 22nd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM📍 St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 522 Main St, Laurel, MD | Shop local and find unique holiday gifts at the Holly Days Bazaar! This festive market features local vendors, handmade crafts, holiday décor, and one-of-a-kind treasures you won't find in big-box stores. Support small businesses and discover gifts that come with a personal touch. Plus, shopping local keeps money in our community!

Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair 📅 Saturday, November 22nd from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM📍 Laurel Elks Lodge 2283, 8261 Brock Bridge Rd, Laurel, MD | Another fantastic opportunity to shop local! This fair showcases talented artisans, makers, and small business owners offering everything from handcrafted jewelry to baked goods, art, home décor, and more. Get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting your neighbors' businesses.

Patrick Kozub LIVE @ Ragamuffins 📅 Saturday, November 22nd from 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM📍 Ragamuffins Coffee House, 385 Main St, Laurel, MD | End your week with LIVE Original Americana music on Main Street! Patrick Kozub brings his musical talent for a time of great tunes and good vibes. Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking for a fun night out, live music is always a treat. Support local musicians and enjoy the kind of intimate performance that makes our community special.

Blossom & Brunch 📅 Saturday, November 22nd from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM📍 More Than Java Cafe, Savage Mill - New Weave Building, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Join Bernadette’s House for their Mentor and Mentee Blossom Mentoring Program Kick Off Bruch! Empowering girls ages 8-17 to believe, blossom and soar! This transformative mentoring program pairs girls with mentors for one-on-one guidance and monthly group sessions. General Admission to Brunch is Free.

Planning ahead? Here are 27 upcoming events from Thanksgiving through the holidays—turkeys, Santa visits, and everything in between!

Festive Holiday Luncheon 📅 Wednesday, November 26th from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM 📍 Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD | The City of Laurel Multiservice Center and Onynx Care Foundation are proud to present Feeding Families with Celebrity Chef Razia Sabour, winner of OWN's Great Soul Food Cook-Off and founder of Fuller Food. For more information, please call 301-974-3010.

LARS Turkey Trot 📅 Thursday, November 27th from 8 AM to 9:30 AM 📍 Alice B. McCullough Field, Montgomery St & 8th St, Laurel, MD | The big day! Thanksgiving morning 5K supporting hunger relief. (See Top Stories for details) 🏃 Click here to register!

Holiday Gift Market 📅 Saturday, November 29th from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM 📍 Evolution at Town Centre Laurel, 14725 4th St, Laurel, MD | Skip the big-box stores and shop local this Black Friday! This market features unique handmade items, local vendors and gift ideas you won't find anywhere else. Mimosas and goodies for all shoppers while supplies last.

Annual Cellar Sale at Jailbreak Brewing 📅 Monday, December 1st from 5 PM to 7 PM 📍 Jailbreak Brewing Company, 9445 Washington Blvd, Laurel MD | To help make room in the cellar, they’ve decided to hold their first annual cellar sale. This unique event will not only provide ridiculous discounts on many amazing wines from around the world, it will give you the opportunity to try each wine before purchasing. Arrive early—these sell out fast! 🎟️ Get tickets here! Bonus: Purchase a bottle and they’ll credit your $25 ticket toward that bottle purchase!

Holiday Parade 📅 Saturday, December 6th | 3:45 PM (parade kick-off) & 5:15 PM (Armory Illumination) 📍 Laurel Armory, 422 Montgomery St, Laurel, MD | Mark your calendars! Santa, floats, music, tree-lighting and holiday magic. Laurel's most beloved winter tradition returns.

Breakfast with Santa 📅 Saturday, December 6th from 9 AM to 11 AM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Little ones can meet Santa over a delicious hot breakfast! A magical morning for families. RSVP required via email. 📧

4th Annual CAFE & PONCHE Holiday Pop-Up 📅 Saturday, December 6th from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM 📍 Centrado Café Shop, 15530-B Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville, MD | Get into the holiday spirit at this festive pop-up celebration! Enjoy live music from Maria & The Sacred Hearts (12-2 PM), sip seasonal holiday drinks including traditional Salvadoran ponche and treat yourself to delicious cake pops from Dulce Duo. Kids will love the special activities, and you can shop from holiday market vendors for unique gifts. Plus, bring an unwrapped toy to donate—this event partners with Ayuda for a toy drive benefiting local families. It's food, music, community and giving back all in one joyful afternoon! 🌐 Learn more: www.centradocafeshop.com

Milk & Cookies with Santa 📅 Saturday, December 6th from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM 📍 Womans Club of Laurel, 384 Main Street, Laurel, MD | Let the children visit with Santa in a cozy setting. Enjoy a snack of delicious home-baked cookies with choice of beverage. Crafts, raffles and goody bags! $5/person; under 1 year is free. RSVP required via email 📧

Jingle & Jazz: An Exclusive Holiday Social 📅 Saturday, December 6th @ 5:00 PM 📍 DC Homme, 317 Main Street, Laurel, MD | A festive evening featuring live jazz, curated hors d’oeuvres, and handcrafted spirits—all in support of Peace on Patuxent Inc.

Bridge Lighting at Savage Mill 📅 Saturday, December 6th @ 6:00 PM (plan to arrive early) 📍 Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Experience the magic as the historic bridge at Savage Mill lights up for the holidays! This stunning display transforms the mill area into a winter wonderland. Stroll through the lit pathways, enjoy the festive atmosphere and soak in the holiday spirit at this beautiful historic location.

LVFD Auxiliary Breakfast 📅 Sunday, December 7th from 8:30 AM to 11 AM 📍 Laurel Volunteer Fire Department, 7411 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD | Start your Sunday with a hearty home-cooked breakfast and support the LVFD Auxiliary. Bring the family and fuel up for the day. Cost: $15/adults; $5/kids.

Holiday Walking Tour at Savage Mill 📅 Sunday, December 7th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM📍 Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Take a guided walking tour of historic Savage Mill decked out in holiday splendor! Learn about the area's rich history while enjoying seasonal decorations and festive atmosphere. It's history and holidays combined!

Teen Trip: Symphony of Lights 📅 Friday, December 12th from 4:45 PM to 9:30 PM 📍 Merriweather Post Pavillion, 10475 Little Patuxent Pkwy, Columbia, MD | Laurel's teens are in for a treat! Parks & Rec is taking young people to experience the dazzling Symphony of Lights display. Think thousands of twinkling lights, holiday magic and memories with friends. All trips depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center.

Snow Hill Manor Holiday Open House 📅 Friday, December 12th 📍 Snow Hill Manor, 13301 Laurel Bowie Service Road, Laurel, MD | Step into holiday elegance at Snow Hill Manor's annual Holiday Open House! Tour this historic property decked out in festive décor, enjoy light refreshments and soak in the charm of the season. Reservations required by calling (301) 249-2004 or email @ [email protected]

LHS Holiday House Tour 📅 Saturday, December 13th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM 📍 Location TBD | This year’s event will highlight four stunning historic homes, a historic church aglow with newly-restored stained glass windows, and a certury-old school. Light refreshments and craft activities for kids will be available at the school stop. 🎟️ Advance tickets are $25 for LHS members and $30 for general admission.

LARS Holiday Cookie Decorating Class 📅 Saturday, December 13th from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM 📍 Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, 309 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD | Get your hands (and aprons) messy at this festive cookie decorating class! Only 20 tickets are available and tickets cost $60. Perfect for kids, adults or anyone who loves frosting and sprinkles. 🍪 Click here to register!

Modern Calligraphy for Beginners 📅 Saturday, December 13th from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM📍 Ragamuffins Coffee House, 305 Main Street, Laurel, MD | Learn a beautiful new skill! This beginner-friendly calligraphy class teaches the basics of modern hand lettering. Perfect for creating holiday cards, gift tags or just exploring a creative hobby. Enjoy coffee and creativity in a cozy setting. ✍️ Click here to register!

Wine and Wreaths 📅 Saturday, December 14th at 3:00 PM📍 Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard, 24 C St, Laurel, MD | Combine creativity and relaxation! This workshop lets you create your own custom holiday wreath while enjoying wine and festive company. It's the perfect holiday activity—crafty, cozy, and fun! 🎟️ Get tickets here!

Holiday Open House 📅 Saturday, December 14th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM📍 Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Meet and join the talented resident artists for demonstrations and artist talks in their studios. Visit exhibitions in three galleries and enjoy receptions for photographer Berchel Douglas and resident artist David Brosch. Groove to live music, make a holiday craft and celebrate the season with your family and friends!

Adult Trip: Miracle on 34th Street 📅 Sunday, December 15th from 4 PM to 9 PM 📍 34th Street, Baltimore, MD | Join Laurel Parks & Rec for a festive visit to Miracle on 34th Street in Baltimore to see the famous holiday lights! They will stop for dinner in Hampden before enjoying the cheerful display. All trips depart from the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center. Resident - $10, Non-Resident - $15.

Krampus Nightmare at Laurel Haunt 📅 Friday, December 20th from 7 PM to 10 PM 📍 Laurel’s House of Horrors, 904 Fairlawn Ave, Laurel, MD | Think the holidays are all sugar plums and candy canes? Think again. The Laurel Haunt is bringing back Krampus Nightmare for those who prefer their December with a little more... darkness. This holiday horror experience isn't for the faint of heart! 🎟️ Click here for more info

A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Eric Byrd Trio 📅 Friday, December 20th at 2:00 PM📍 Montpelier Cultural Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Experience the timeless music of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" performed live by the Eric Byrd Trio! The beloved Vince Guaraldi jazz score comes to life in this special holiday performance. Perfect for jazz lovers and Charlie Brown fans alike! 🎵 Get tickets here!

Flash Mob Swing Dance 📅 Saturday, December 21st from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM📍 Savage Mill, 8600 Foundry St, Savage, MD | Surprise! A flash mob swing dance is happening! Whether you join in or just watch the fun, this spontaneous dance celebration is sure to bring smiles. Keep your eyes open—you never know where it might pop up!

2nd Annual Laurel Lights Walk 📅 Monday, December 22nd @ 6:30 PM 📍 LARS, 309 Laurel Ave, Laurel, MD | Join the LARS staff as they lead a 2 mile walk around Historic Laurel to view their favorite holiday lights. Followed by hot chocolate and cookies with the staff.

Photos with Santa 📅 Monday, December 22nd from 4 PM to 5:30 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Get those last-minute holiday card photos! Santa returns right before Christmas for one more photo session. Bring your own camera/phone. Free event!

Holiday Movie: Elf 📅 Monday, December 22nd @ 6 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Cozy up for a free screening of "Elf"! Bring blankets, pillows and your holiday spirit. The perfect way to wind down before Christmas!

Inaugural Kwanzaa Showcase 📅 Friday, December 27th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM📍 Carroll Baldwin Hall, 9035 Baltimore St, Savage, MD | Celebrate Kwanzaa at this inaugural community showcase! This event honors African American culture, heritage and the seven principles of Kwanzaa. Join the celebration with performances, vendors, food and community connection. 🎟️ Get tickets here!

Thanks for reading! As we head into Thanksgiving week, let's remember what makes Laurel truly special—neighbors helping neighbors, heroes among us and a community that shows up for each other when it matters most.

From all of us at I LOVE LAUREL, we wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with warmth, gratitude and good food!

Got an event, story tip, or business we should feature? Just hit reply—I read every response.

See you next week!

— Mike Mondy
Founder, I❤️LAUREL

P.S. - Don't forget to move this email to your primary inbox so you never miss an edition!