Remembering a Legacy, Celebrating a Win, and Looking Ahead! 🏆

Happy Tuesday, Laurel! 👋

This week's edition carries both celebration and reflection. We're remembering a beloved business leader whose impact shaped Laurel for decades, cheering on a local construction worker whose lottery win will change his family's life, and looking ahead to new developments that will serve our growing community.

We've also got an incredible lineup of events—10 happening THIS WEEK alone, from teen trips to UMD sports to a powerful opening night performance at Laurel Mill Playhouse, plus Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service opportunities. Looking ahead, we've got 22 more events through March, from paint nights to community basketball celebrations.

Let's dive in! 👇

S. G. “Fred” Frederick Jr., founder of the Fred Frederick Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership and a cornerstone of the Laurel business community for more than six decades, passed away on January 7, 2026, at the age of 94.

Frederick served in the U.S. Marine Corps early in life, an experience that shaped the discipline, leadership, and commitment to service that guided his career. After settling in Laurel, he built one of the community’s most enduring family businesses while helping shape the city’s commercial future.

He was among the original members of the Main Street Merchants organization, which later evolved into the Laurel Board of Trade. Frederick served on its Board of Directors and remained deeply involved as the organization grew into a central force supporting local businesses. His leadership also extended nationally, including 42 years as chairman of the Chrysler National Dealers Council and service as chairman of the Washington Auto Show Board. In 1996, he was nominated as Time Magazine Dealer of the Year.

Frederick married Betty Anne Jackson in 1956, and together they made Laurel their home. In 1959, he opened a DeSoto-Plymouth dealership on Route 1, laying the foundation for a multi-generation family business now operated by his four children, with locations in Laurel and Easton.

His commitment to service extended beyond business through leadership roles with the Greater Laurel Hospital Board and the University of Maryland Terrapins Club.

Visitation will be held at Donaldson Funeral Home in Laurel on January 16 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A graveside service will follow at Ivy Hill Cemetery on January 17 at 11:00 AM, with a memorial reception afterward at the Maryland Club in Xfinity Arena.

Fred Frederick Jr.’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Laurel—a reminder of what’s possible when leadership is rooted in service, family, and long-term commitment to community. Our thoughts are with the Frederick family and all who knew him.

A Laurel construction worker is starting 2026 in style after uncovering a $100,000 top prize on a Maryland Lottery scratch-off ticket—and his plan for the winnings is as heartwarming as the win itself.

The Prince George's County resident purchased a Red 5's Doubler ticket at the 24/7 Convenience Store at 7707 Old Sandy Spring Road in Laurel. Using a strategic approach—scratching off all the numbers first to check for matches before revealing prize amounts—he discovered the number 52 matched. When he scratched the corresponding prize box, it revealed the $100,000 jackpot.

"I was in shock. I went home and told my parents," he said when claiming his prize at Maryland Lottery headquarters on January 5. His first priority? Buying his parents a house, with plans to save whatever remains.

The Red 5's Doubler game launched on December 5 and has quickly become Maryland's most popular scratch-off. This Laurel winner is only the second person to claim a top prize—seven more $100,000 prizes remain unclaimed. The convenience store that sold the winning ticket will receive a $1,000 bonus from the Maryland Lottery.

Stories like this remind us that life-changing moments can happen anywhere in Laurel—even during a quick stop at your neighborhood convenience store. Congratulations to our lucky winner! 🎉

Greater Laurel will gain new childcare capacity following approval by the Prince George’s County Planning Board for a 12,750-square-foot daycare center and a 2,000-square-foot drive-thru restaurant at the corner of Konterra Drive and Sweitzer Lane.

The site plan, approved on January 8, allows for a daycare serving approximately 200 children in the office park area. The property is owned by Lord Charter Six, a subsidiary of Baltimore-based St. John Properties Inc., which plans to handle renovations directly. Permitting is expected to take six to ten months before construction begins.

Planning Board leaders highlighted the project’s community value, noting its support for working families and nearby employers, while also emphasizing the importance of safety measures to protect children from traffic. The development will incorporate energy-efficient materials, improved stormwater management, and preservation of existing woodland where possible.

For Laurel families, accessible childcare near employment centers can be transformative—and this project reflects the kind of practical infrastructure the community needs.

Source: The Laurel Independent

Calling all young baseball players! St. Vincent Pallotti High School is hosting a winter baseball camp in conjunction with U.S. Baseball Academy. The program, directed by Pallotti head coach Derek Dixon, offers professional-level instruction for players ages 5-18.

The camp features a low player-to-coach ratio and covers all the fundamentals—hitting, pitching, catching, fielding, and baserunning. With age-specific sessions, instruction is tailored to all ability levels, giving young athletes access to the kind of coaching they don't normally get. Space is limited, so if your young player is looking to sharpen their skills this winter, check out the program details and registration.

This is the kind of opportunity that can ignite a lifelong love of the game. ⚾

Mark your calendars for January 29, 2026! The City of Laurel is hosting a Sustainability Year-in-Review event from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Road, and they want YOUR input.

Join Sustainability Manager Michele Blair and community leaders for food, conversation, and a comprehensive look at the sustainability progress Laurel made in 2025. This is your chance to learn about what's been accomplished, share your ideas, and help shape Laurel's sustainable future. Everyone is welcome, and refreshments will be provided—just RSVP to [email protected] by January 23 so they can plan accordingly.

Small changes equal big impacts, and this is your opportunity to be part of Laurel's journey toward a greener tomorrow. Want to get involved in sustainability projects? This event is your starting point! 🌱

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

TC captured this breathtaking sunrise on Main Street, showcasing the peaceful beauty of Laurel's historic downtown as a new day begins. The warm golden light streaming through the trees and buildings is a reminder of why so many of us love calling this place home.

📸 Congratulations, TC! Thank you for showing us your Laurel and starting our week with such a stunning view.

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!

We're easing back into the new year with a full slate of activities! Here's what's happening around Laurel THIS WEEK (January 13-19):

Teen Trip: Lucky Stripes Bowling 📅 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center for a night of bowling fun.

Laurel Cats Fundraiser @ Catherine's Restaurant 📅 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM 📍 Catherine's Restaurant, 3325 Corridor Marketplace, Laurel, MD | Support Laurel Cats while enjoying a great meal at one of Laurel’s hottest new restaurants! A portion of proceeds benefits this amazing local rescue organization.

Teen Trip: UMD Wrestling 📅 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center to catch Terps wrestling action.

"Save My Black Soul" Opening Night 📅 8:00 PM 📍 Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Don't miss opening night of this powerful theatrical production at Laurel's historic playhouse, a period drama that takes place during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Teen Trip: UMD Women's Gymnastics 📅 4:30 PM to 9:15 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center to watch the Lady Terps compete.

Paint & Sip: Paint Your Own Birdhouse 📅 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 📍 Carroll Baldwin Hall, 9035 Baltimore St, Savage, MD | Get creative with this hands-on craft activity—perfect for a winter afternoon!

Laurel Cats Adoption Event 📅 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM 📍 12020 Cherry Hill Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 | Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Meet adoptable cats and find your perfect match.

Paint to Heal: A Creative Healing Experience 📅 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM 📍 Laurel Municipal Pool Meeting Room, 9th Street and Main Street, Laurel, MD 20707 | A therapeutic art experience for healing and self-expression. Must pre-register.

City of Laurel: MLK Day of Service 📅 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 Craig A. Moe Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD 20707 | Honor Dr. King's legacy through service to our community. Contact: [email protected] or 301-725-5300 Ext. 2109.

Teen Trip: Winter Hike 📅 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center for a scenic winter hiking adventure.

Planning ahead? Here are 15 upcoming events through the end of February—from real estate investing workshops to Black History Month celebrations to spring community events!

Paper Assets Aren't Enough: Real Estate as a Retirement Strategy 📅 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Keller Williams Realty Centre, 8825 Stanford Blvd #300, Columbia, MD | Learn about diversifying your retirement portfolio with real estate investments.

Free Friday Indoor Movie: Lilo & Stitch (2025) 📅 7:00 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Family movie night featuring the new live-action Lilo & Stitch!

City of Laurel: Mayor & City Council Meeting 📅 6:00 PM 📍 Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Rd, Laurel, MD 20707 | Agenda TBD.

Teen Trip: UMD Women's Basketball 📅 4:00 PM to 9:15 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center to watch the Lady Terps play against the Huskies of Washington University.

City of Laurel Sustainability Plan Year in Review 📅 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Laurel Municipal Center, 8103 Sandy Spring Rd, Laurel, MD 20707 | Join Sustainability Manager Michele Blair to review 2025 progress and shape Laurel's green future.

Adult Trip: Planet Word (18+) 📅 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center. Adults-only trip to this fascinating DC museum. 18+ only.

National Girls and Women in Sports Day 📅 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD 20723 | Celebrate female athletes! Info/registration: Jamie Ponton, 410-313-1691 or [email protected].

Black History Month Book and Film Discussion 📅 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍 Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD 20708 | Discussion of "Erasure" and "American Fiction."

Family Valentine's Day Brunch 📅 9:00 AM 📍 The Mansion at Laurel, 13910 Laurel Lakes Ave, Laurel, MD 20707 | Reservations required! Email [email protected].

The Heart of Black Excellence: Honoring HBCUs Then & Now 📅 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 📍 Laurel Branch Library, 507 7th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Celebrating the legacy and impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Film Screening: Amazing Grace 📅 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM 📍 Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD | Watch the iconic Aretha Franklin concert documentary.

A Jazzy R&B Affair 📅 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM 📍 Maryland Jockey Club, Rt. 198 & Racetrack Rd, Laurel, MD 20725 | An afternoon of smooth jazz and R&B at historic Laurel Park.

Annual Black History Month Exhibition: Public Reception 📅 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍 Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Rd, Laurel, MD 20708 | Opening reception for this important annual exhibition.

Free Friday Indoor Movie: Elio (2025) 📅 7:00 PM 📍 Partnership Hall, 811 5th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Free family movie night featuring the new Pixar film!

Teen Trip: Snowtubing Adventure 📅 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center for a day of winter fun on the slopes!

Thanks for reading this week's edition, and Happy New Year! This week's stories remind us that Laurel is a community where legacies are built over lifetimes, where neighbors celebrate each other's good fortune, and where we continue planning for the future while honoring the past. From Fred Frederick's decades of service to a construction worker's life-changing win that he's using to take care of family, these are the stories that define who we are as a community.

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

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