New House Speaker, Community Support + Happy New Year! 🎉

Happy Tuesday, Laurel! 👋

Welcome to the final newsletter of 2025! As we close out this year and prepare to welcome 2026, we're reflecting on all the moments that made Laurel special—the celebrations, the connections, and the community spirit that defines us.

In today's edition, we're celebrating Delegate Peña-Melnyk's historic election as House Speaker, issuing an important safety alert about recent car break-ins, and sharing a heartwarming story of community support. Plus, we've got 4 events happening THIS WEEK including New Year's celebrations and a fresh start to 2026!

And if you're planning ahead? We've got 17 events lined up for January and February, from teen trips to Black History Month celebrations!

Let's dive in! 👇

This Christmas season, we have an opportunity to rally around Calondra Young, a devoted community leader and trusted neighbor who has always shown up for others. After facing job loss, housing instability, and the loss of her car, Calondra has continued serving and advocating for our community through her work with county government—despite the personal challenges she’s endured.

A generous friend has made available a 2008 Honda Civic with plenty of life left. The vehicle is mechanically sound but needs a few repairs and inspection items to be safely road-ready. Funds raised will go directly toward repairs, parts, inspection, tags, title, and insurance. Repairs and parts needed are: front exhaust pipe, valve cover gasket, one axle, rear brakes, power steering line, several light bulbs, and steering wheel.

Reliable transportation means stability, independence, and the ability to keep serving others. As we celebrate a season of generosity, any contribution—large or small—will help Calondra get back on her feet and continue making a difference. Thank you for supporting a fellow community member when it matters most.

Historic news from Annapolis! Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, who represents parts of our area, has been elected as the next Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates—making history as the first Latina to hold this position.

This is a monumental achievement not just for Delegate Peña-Melnyk, but for representation in Maryland politics. The Speaker of the House is one of the most powerful positions in state government, setting the legislative agenda and leading the chamber through critical policy decisions.

Delegate Peña-Melnyk's rise to this leadership role is a testament to her years of service, her legislative expertise, and the trust her colleagues have placed in her. For our region, having someone who understands our community in such a powerful position is significant.

As Speaker, she'll help shape the direction of Maryland policy on education, healthcare, public safety, economic development, and so much more. We're proud to have someone with deep ties to our area leading the House of Delegates.

Congratulations, Madam Speaker! We're excited to see what you accomplish in this historic role!

Please pay attention to this important community safety alert. Laurel Police are investigating more than 40 car break-ins that have occurred recently in our area—a significant spike that requires community awareness and vigilance.

These incidents are a reminder that we all need to take basic precautions to protect our vehicles and belongings. The most common targets are unlocked cars and vehicles with valuables visible inside.

Here's what you can do to protect yourself:
- Lock your car doors. Every single time. Even in your own driveway.
- Remove all valuables from view. GPS devices, bags, electronics, loose change—take it all inside or hide it in the trunk before you arrive.
- Park in well-lit areas when possible.
- Report suspicious activity immediately. If you see someone checking car door handles or looking into vehicles, call police.

If you've been a victim of a car break-in, please report it to Laurel Police even if nothing was stolen. These reports help police track patterns and allocate resources. Let's look out for each other, Laurel. A little vigilance goes a long way in keeping our community safe.

What an incredible achievement! The Laurel High School Spartan Singers performed at the prestigious Capital One Hall and received a $5,000 check for their outstanding musical excellence.

This recognition is the result of the Spartan Singers winning a WASH-FM competition—a testament to the talent, dedication, and hard work of these young musicians and their director. Even more impressive? This success helped send a record-breaking 11 students to All-State competition!

Performing at Capital One Hall is a significant honor in itself—it's one of the premier performance venues in the region. To perform there AND receive financial support for the program is a huge win for Laurel High School's music department.

These students represent Laurel with pride, passion, and exceptional talent. Congratulations to the Spartan Singers, their director, and everyone who supports music education at Laurel High School!

The holiday spirit was alive and well in Laurel thanks to Operation Santa Claus! This heartwarming initiative brought gifts, joy, and Christmas magic to families in our community who needed it most.

Volunteers, donors, and community organizations came together to ensure that children woke up on Christmas morning with presents under the tree. For families facing financial hardship, programs like Operation Santa Claus don't just provide gifts—they provide hope, dignity, and a reminder that their community cares.

To everyone who donated, volunteered, organized, or spread the word about Operation Santa Claus—thank you. You made Christmas possible for families who might otherwise have gone without. That's the true meaning of the season.

Our community photo spotlight continues! Each edition, we feature a photo from a Laurel resident that captures the beauty and spirit of our town.

James captured a spectacular nighttime photo during the Armory Illumination at this year's Holiday Parade. The way the lights transformed the historic Armory into a glowing beacon of holiday magic—it's the kind of moment that makes you proud to call Laurel home.

The Holiday Parade and Armory Illumination is one of our most beloved traditions, and James's photo preserves that special evening perfectly. You can almost feel the cold air, hear the holiday music, and sense the excitement of families gathered together.

📸 Congratulations, James! Thank you for showing us your Laurel.

Want to be featured? Email your photos to [email protected] with the subject line "Show Us Your Laurel" and you might appear in an upcoming edition!

Ring in 2026 with style! From New Year's Eve celebrations to fresh starts, here's what's happening around Laurel THIS WEEK (December 30 - January 5):

New Year's Eve Party at The Caribe 📅 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM 📍 The Caribe, 338 Main St, Laurel, MD | Ring in 2026 at The Caribe! Celebrate New Year's Eve with music, dancing, food, and festive fun. Toast to the new year with your Laurel community!

New Year's Eve Service at New Haven Baptist Church 📅 9:00 PM 📍 New Haven Baptist Church, 29 4th St, Laurel, MD | Reflect, give thanks, and welcome the new year in community. This special New Year's Eve service offers a meaningful way to close out 2025—with gratitude for blessings received and hope for the year ahead. Join neighbors in prayer, worship, and fellowship as we transition into 2026 together.

New Year's Day Free Ice Skating Session 📅 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM 📍 Gardens Ice House, 13800 Old Gunpowder Rd, Laurel, MD | Start the new year on ice! The Gardens Ice House offers a FREE skate session on New Year's Day. Whether you're an experienced skater or trying it for the first time, it's a fun, active way to kick off 2026. Skate rentals available. Bring the family and glide into the new year!

3rd Annual Fit Girl Winter 📅 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 📍 Pallotti High School Gymnasium, 113 St Mary's Pl, Laurel, MD | New year, new fitness goals! The 3rd Annual Fit Girl Winter is back, bringing women together for fitness, motivation, and community support. Whether you're starting fresh or maintaining momentum, this event celebrates health, strength, and empowerment. Join fellow women committed to wellness and kick off 2026 strong!

Planning ahead for 2026? Here are 17 upcoming events through February—from ice skating to teen trips to Black History Month celebrations!

Needlework Social: Knitting and Crocheting 📅 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD | Crafters, unite! This needlework social brings together knitters and crocheters for creativity, community, and cozy conversation. Whether you're working on a project or just learning, it's a wonderful way to connect with fellow fiber artists.

Teen Trip: Ice Skating at Colorburst Ice Rink (Columbia, MD) 📅 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍 Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center | More winter skating fun! Whether you're a pro or wobbling on your ankles, ice skating is pure winter joy. Bundle up and hit the ice at Colorburst Park!

ASL Conversation Club: Beginner 📅 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM 📍 Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD | Learn American Sign Language! This beginner-friendly conversation club is perfect for anyone interested in ASL—whether you're learning for personal enrichment, professional development, or to communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing community members.

Teen Trip: Lucky Stripes Bowling 📅 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM 📍 Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center | Laurel Parks & Rec takes teens bowling! Strike up some fun with friends at Lucky Stripes. It's the perfect midweek activity to kick off the new year.

Teen Trip: UMD Wrestling 📅 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍 Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center | Catch UMD wrestling in action! Laurel teens can cheer on the Terps and experience the intensity of collegiate wrestling up close.

"Save My Black Soul" Opening Night 📅 8:00 PM 📍Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St, Laurel, MD | "Save My Black Soul" is a period drama that takes place during the Golden Age of Hollywood, and follows a young, struggling African-American actor named Edward Foster. Edward, being fed up with the roles that are being offered to him in Hollywood, decides to move to New York City to create a theatre space where he can mold the next generation of up-and-coming actors of color. While his aspirations may be pure, the journey to get there will be anything but flawless.

Teen Trip: UMD Women's Gymnastics 📅 4:30 PM to 9:15 PM 📍 Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center | Watch incredible athletes flip, vault, and soar! UMD Women's Gymnastics puts on a spectacular show, and Laurel teens get front-row seats.

Teen Trip: Winter Hike 📅 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM 📍 Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center | Get outside and enjoy winter nature! This guided hike lets teens explore the beauty of Maryland's winter landscapes with friends. Dress warm and bring your sense of adventure!

Free Friday Indoor Movie: Lilo & Stitch (2025) 📅 7:00 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD | Ohana means family! Enjoy a FREE screening of the new Lilo & Stitch movie. Perfect for families looking for a cozy Friday night activity.

Teen Trip: UMD Women's Basketball 📅 4:00 PM to 9:15 PM 📍 Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center | Cheer on the Lady Terps! Laurel teens can watch UMD Women's Basketball and experience the energy of college hoops at its finest.

Adult Trip: Planet Word (18+) 📅 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM 📍 Departs from Robert J. DiPietro Community Center | Adults, take a field trip! Planet Word in DC is an interactive museum celebrating language, words, and communication. It's educational, entertaining, and perfect for word nerds of all kinds.

Black History Month Book and Film Discussion 📅 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Kick off Black History Month with meaningful discussion! This book and film discussion explores "Erasure" and "American Fiction," examining themes of identity, representation, and the African American experience

Family Valentine's Day Brunch 📅 9:00 AM 📍 The Mansion at Laurel, 13910 Laurel Lakes Ave, Laurel, MD | Celebrate love with the whole family! This special Valentine's brunch lets families share a delicious meal together before Valentine's Day. Reservations required! 💕

The Heart of Black Excellence: Honoring HBCUs Then & Now 📅 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 📍 Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD | Celebrate the legacy and ongoing impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities! This special event honors HBCU excellence, culture, and contribution to education, leadership, and Black achievement in America.

A Jazzy R&B Affair 📅 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM 📍 Maryland Jockey Club, Rt. 198 & Racetrack Rd, Laurel, MD | Jazz, R&B, and romance! This sophisticated evening combines smooth music, elegant atmosphere, and Valentine's vibes. Perfect for date night or celebrating with friends.

Annual Black History Month Exhibition: Public Reception 📅 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM📍 Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Celebrate Black history through art! This annual exhibition features works highlighting African American heritage, culture, and contributions. The public reception offers a chance to meet artists and explore powerful visual storytelling.

Thanks for reading this week’s edition. As we close out 2025 and welcome 2026, we're grateful for this community and for each of you who read, engage with, and share I LOVE LAUREL. From historic political achievements to community members rallying for neighbors in need, this year reminded us what makes Laurel special.

Here's to a new year filled with connection, celebration, and community spirit!

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

See you next year!

— Mike Mondy
Founder, I❤️LAUREL

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