Happy Tuesday, Laurel! 👋
Welcome to the very first edition of the I❤️LAUREL Newsletter! I'm thrilled to bring you this newsletter covering everything happening in our community.
Fall is in full swing, Halloween is just around the corner and Laurel High School's Homecoming week has begun. Whether you're looking for family-friendly events, community updates, or just want to stay connected with what's happening around town, you're in the right place.
In today's edition, we've got exciting news about Laurel PD's national recognition, important community updates, and 15+ events happening this week from Homecoming football to Halloween festivities.
So grab your coffee and let's dive in! 👇
🔥 TOP STORY
Laurel Police Department Featured at National Conference
The Laurel Police Department was honored to be featured at this week's International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference, showcasing the people and values behind the badge.
A special video was created offering a genuine look at the officers and professional staff who serve our community with integrity, compassion, and purpose. The department's theme, "Building a Safer Laurel: Integrity, Service and Community Partnership," isn't just a tagline—it's their daily commitment to all of us.
The video highlights Laurel PD's united team approach to full-service policing, emphasizing the deep connection with our community and the values that guide their work every day.
"This recognition at a national level shows what we already know here in Laurel—we have a police department that truly cares about serving our community," reflects their mission of building safety through genuine partnership.
Take a few minutes to watch the video and see why Laurel PD serves and who they truly are.
Click Here: To watch the full video
Source: Laurel Police Department
📰 COMMUNITY NEWS
Woman's Club of Laurel Launches Self-Defense Program
WCL members practice self defense during a lesson by Better Attitude Makers Martial Arts
The Woman's Club of Laurel is focusing on empowering women through a new self-defense initiative. The program aims to provide local women with practical skills and confidence for personal safety.
This community-focused effort reflects the club's ongoing commitment to supporting women in Laurel through education and skill-building opportunities. Details about upcoming sessions and how to participate are available through the club.
The program is part of the Woman's Club's broader mission to strengthen and support women in our community.
Click Here: To read more about the effort
As reported by The Laurel Independent
House Fire on Straughn Drive Draws Multi-Unit Response
Laurel emergency responders quickly addressed a house fire in the 15500 block of Straughn Drive last week. Multiple units were alerted just before 6 PM to provide mutual aid to Prince George's County for the reported structure fire.
Crews arrived to find fire showing from the rear of the two-story single-family home, with flames extending into both floors and the attic. Engine, Truck, Medic, and Chief 715 all responded to the call, working together to contain and extinguish the blaze.
Thanks to the quick response and coordination between departments, the situation was brought under control. No injuries were reported.
As reported by Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department
Looking Ahead: Laurel Blessing Baskets Returns November 19th
Mark your calendars for a special community event coming next month. Laurel Blessing Baskets, a heartwarming initiative benefiting food-insecure families this Thanksgiving, returns on November 19th from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
This annual event brings together community members to help ensure local families have a meaningful Thanksgiving. It's a beautiful example of Laurel neighbors supporting neighbors during the holiday season.
More details about how to participate, volunteer, or support the initiative will be shared as we get closer to the date.
Click Here: To learn how YOU can help!
Holiday Craft Fair Seeking Vendors
The Maryland City Volunteer Fire Department is hosting their Holiday Craft Fair on November 15th from 9 AM to 1 PM, and vendor spaces are still available!
If you're a crafter, small business owner, or maker looking to showcase your products, this is a great opportunity to connect with the community while supporting your local fire department. The event will feature crafts, food, and fun for all ages.
Are you an interested vendor? Click Here to sign up!
📅 EVENTS THIS WEEK
Your guide to everything happening in Laurel! From Homecoming celebrations to Halloween fun, here's what's on the calendar:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22
Olive on Main Fundraiser for Model UN Club | All day (lunch & dinner)
Location: Olive on Main, 504 Main Street
Description: Support St. Vincent Pallotti High School's Model UN Club! 10% of all lunch and dinner sales today will be donated when you dine at Olive on Main. Enjoy great Mediterranean food while helping local students prepare for their Model UN Conference.
Councilmember Candidates Forum | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Laurel Municipal Building, 8103 Sandy Spring Road
Description: Hosted by Laurel Board of Trade. Make your voice heard! Meet the candidates runng for Laurel City Council and hear their visions for our community's future. This is YOUR chance to ask questions directly and make an informed decision on Election Day. Free event, all City of Laurel residents encouraged to attend.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24
Laurel High School Homecoming Football Game | 7:00 PM kickoff
Location: 8000 Cherry Lane, Laurel
Description: It's Homecoming week at LHS! The Spartans take on the Roosevelt Raiders in this Week 8 matchup. Show your Spartan pride and support our 4-3 team as they fight for a home victory.
⚠️ Important: Tickets must be purchased in advance (new PGCPS policy). Not sold at the gate! (Click Here for tickets 🎟️)
Fall Pumpkin Candle-Making Class | 6:30 PM (2-hour class)
Location: 8610 Washington Blvd, Jessup, MD
Description: Create your own custom soy candle in a fun pumpkin-shaped jar! This hands-on workshop by the ABT Collectiis perfect for ages 13+ with small, intimate class sizes. All supplies provided, plus enjoy light refreshments and a photobooth. A cozy fall activity to kick off your weekend! (Click Here for tickets🎟️)
Spooktacular Halloween Event | 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Robert J. DiPietro Community Center
Description: Hosted by Laurel Parks & Recreation and City of Laurel. Grab your costume and a bag for goodies! Head down to the DiPietro Community Center for a Take-Away Treat experience. Enter the decked-out Halloween Hall and take treats to go. Please bring a bag to carry your treats. Family-friendly fun for all ages! 🎟️ Free event
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
Mural Celebration on Main Street | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: 100 5th Street (Main Street)
Description: Hosted by Laurel For the Patuxent. Celebrate the completion of the beautiful nature mural on the side of the Quick Stop Food Mart! Join us in front of the mural for live music, food, activities, and a chance to meet the artist and friends and colleagues of Chan Robbins. Mingle with fellow bird lovers and enjoy this new piece of public art on our Main Street. 🎟️ Free event
Bethany CC Fall Fest | 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: 15720 Riding Stable Road, Laurel
Description: Hosted by Bethany Community Church. Join Bethany Community Church for a free outdoor Fall Fest! This family-friendly event is open to all and promises fun for everyone. Free admission, but Eventbrite registration requested. 🎟️ Free event. (register):
SAL Southern Maryland Region Drawdown | 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Laurel American Legion Post 60, 2 Main Street
Description: Hosted by Sons of the American Legion. An evening of food, drinks, and prizes! Your $50 ticket (admits 2) includes dinner, unlimited draft beer & soda, limited open bar, and a chance to win up to $1,000 in cash. Only 150 tickets sold with multiple prize drawings throughout the night. Entertainment and drawing begins at 4:30 PM. All proceeds benefit American Legion Family Programs. 🎟️ $50 per couple
Trunk-or-Treat at Mt. Zion | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Mount Zion United Methodist Church, 3592 Whiskey Bottom Road
Description: Get a jump on Halloween this weekend! Join Mt. Zion UMC and the Bacontown community for their annual Trunk-or-Treat. Enjoy music, games, crafts, food, and of course, plenty of candy! A safe, fun environment for families. 🎟️ Free event
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
American Legion Post 60 Fall Festival | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: Laurel American Legion Post 60, 2 Main Street
Description: For children ages 2-12 Get ready for a Halloween celebration! This family-friendly festival features games, prizes, a trick-or-treat trail, crafts, and a costume parade at 2:45 PM. Hot dog lunch provided while supplies last, plus goodie bags for the first 100 children. Free event, open to the public, first come first served! 🎟️
Laurel Cats Adoption Event | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: PetSmart, Columbia, MD
Description: Hosted by Laurel Cats. Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Special adult cat adoption rate of just $40 (extended through October 31st)! Meet adoptable cats, ask questions, check out their temperament, or pick up supplies for your current (or future) cats. Applications can be submitted in advance to expedite the adoption process.
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Thank you for being part of this first edition. I'm so excited to build this community newsletter together. See you next Tuesday morning!
Mike Mondy
Founder, I❤️LAUREL