Winery Dreams, Snow Angels, and Olympic Glory! ⛷️

Happy Tuesday, Laurel! 👋

What a week it's been! Between digging out from the historic snowstorm and celebrating some incredible community milestones, there's so much happening in our town. From a groundbreaking at a local winery to neighbors helping neighbors shovel snow, and even a Laurel athlete heading to the Olympics, our community continues to show why Laurel is such a special place to call home.

Let's dive in! 👇

Laurel's first and only winery is about to get a whole lot bigger. Clyopatra Winery & Vineyard, founded by Nigerian-American entrepreneur Ifeoma Clyopatra Onyia, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Vineyard Village Resort—a transformational 40-acre development in West Laurel that will position the region as a premier wine tourism destination.

The Vineyard Village Resort will feature a 20-bedroom boutique-style hotel, an expanded tasting room, a golf range, and a vegetable garden where Onyia plans to offer internships and apprenticeships to teach young people about agriculture and viticulture. The project represents a major economic development milestone for Prince George's County and establishes Clyopatra as the largest Black-owned winery on the East Coast.

"The village resort now makes us the largest Black-owned winery in the East Coast," Onyia said. "It means that people like me can feel so happy to come over and learn."

Onyia, who opened the winery's tasting room at 24 C Street in Laurel's Arts District in 2023, has been working toward this vision since purchasing the original six-acre property on Brooklyn Bridge Road. As the first African immigrant-owned winery and vineyard in the United States, Clyopatra has been producing award-winning wines from both Maryland Eastern Shore grapes and its own maturing vineyard.

Maryland's wine industry contributes $1.8 billion in annual wages and nearly $70 million in tourist spending annually, according to the National Association of American Wineries. This expansion positions Laurel to capture a significant share of that growing market while creating jobs and drawing visitors from across the region.

For Onyia—who also operates MISO Medical Center, a behavioral health clinic, and leads the House of Clyopatra Foundation—this project represents more than business growth. She's mindful of the responsibility that comes with being first. "To be the first in anything, you have to be very strategic about how you do things," she explained. "It's just making sure that as I'm going, I'm setting up templates that I'm able to hand to anybody else to say, 'This is how you do it.'"

This is the kind of bold, ambitious project that transforms communities. Congratulations to Ifeoma and the entire Clyopatra team!

Prince George's County Public Schools have closed for an unprecedented seven consecutive weekdays (including today)—the longest weather-related closure in recent memory—as Winter Storm Fern's lingering impacts kept roads, parking lots, and bus routes unsafe across the county's 500 square miles.

After closing Monday, January 26 through Friday, January 30, PGCPS announced on February 2 that schools would remain closed Monday, February 2 and Tuesday, February 3—bringing the total to seven straight weekdays. The extended closure affected all 202 schools and the more than 132,000 students across the district, making it one of the longest weather-related disruptions in the school system's history.

The decision reflected the unique challenges of operating Maryland's largest school district, where conditions can vary dramatically from one community to another. "Even if major roads appear clear, sidewalks, parking lots or bus lots in other parts of the County may remain unsafe," PGCPS explained in communications to families.

To support families during the extended closure, the district implemented emergency meal services at five school sites—including Laurel High School—distributing meals from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The school system provided daily updates by 5:00 PM, keeping families informed as county crews worked around the clock to clear residential streets and ensure safe passage for the district's more than 1,300 buses.

For families juggling work, childcare, and remote learning (the district does not use virtual instruction for weather events), the week presented significant challenges. But as schools reopened this week, students and staff returned with stories of resilience, creative problem-solving, and the community support that got families through.

Seven days is a long time to be out of school—but safety always comes first.

In a week defined by community resilience, Laurel City Councilman Adrian G. Simmons launched an innovative solution to one of Winter Storm Fern's most pressing challenges: helping elderly and limited-mobility residents dig out from the snow and ice.

Simmons created a simple, entirely voluntary online system connecting "snow angels"—residents with shovels and willingness to help—with seniors and those with limited mobility who needed assistance clearing their driveways and walkways. The initiative consisted of an online Snow Shovel Request Form for those needing help and a Volunteer Claim table where volunteers could "claim" a request and head out to help.

"I've seen & heard of so many residents reaching out a helping hand to neighbors to dig out of our snow & ice, especially our seniors and those with limited mobility," Simmons wrote on his website. "I wanted to help create a simple, entirely voluntary, method to connect snow-shoveling angels with seniors & limited mobility residents."

The system was designed with transparency and community trust in mind. Only street addresses and shovel request descriptions were made publicly available, and the entire initiative operated on the "honesty and kindness of our town's residents." While not an official City program—meaning no liability protections or formal vetting—the grassroots approach empowered neighbors to take care of neighbors when it mattered most.

This kind of creative, responsive leadership is exactly what our community needs. Councilman Simmons saw a problem, built a solution, and trusted Laurel residents to do the right thing. That trust was well-placed—by all accounts, snow angels across the city showed up to help.

Laurel has an Olympian! Bryan Sosoo, a Laurel native who spent five years as a professional track athlete, has qualified for the United States Olympic Bobsled Team and will compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.

Sosoo is one of only two athletes from Maryland who have qualified for the Winter Games, joining Bethesda's Carsten Vissering on the bobsled team. This will be Sosoo's first Olympic Games, fulfilling a dream that began when he transitioned from track and field to the high-speed, adrenaline-fueled world of bobsled.

According to Team USA bobsled pilot Kaysha Love, many sled athletes are actually recruited from track and field because of the explosive sprinting power required to push the 400+ pound sled at the start. That sprint—typically around 50 meters—sets the sled's initial velocity and can make the difference between gold and fourth place when races are decided by hundredths of a second.

"If you're a quick sprinter and have ever had dreams of making the Olympics, maybe trying out a sled sport is the way to go," one Olympic coach noted.

The bobsled competition begins in mid-February, with four events on the schedule: 2-man bobsleigh, 2-woman bobsleigh, 4-man bobsleigh, and women's monobob. Sosoo will compete on the track in Cortina, navigating turns at speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour—a thrilling and dangerous endeavor that separates the world's best from everyone else.

From Laurel to the Olympics—that's a journey worth celebrating. Go Team USA! Go Bryan!

Save the date! The 41st edition of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day—Maryland's Day at the Races—will take place Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Laurel Park.

This beloved fall tradition showcases Maryland-sired horses competing in races with purses and awards totaling over $1 million. The event was modeled on the Breeders' Cup and has been celebrating Maryland's horse racing industry since 1986, when it was first held at Laurel Park.

"We are looking forward to another great day of racing and exciting event on October 24th at Laurel Park this year," said Cricket Goodall, executive director of Maryland Million. "As always we celebrate Maryland-sired horses and the opportunity for success that Maryland Million Day offers."

The 2025 edition featured thrilling upsets and breakout performances, including Barbadian Runner's remarkable victory in the Classic and apprentice jockey Yedsit Hazlewood's five wins on the day (one of them his first stakes win aboard Onyx Ten in the Distaff). Great Notion, the most successful Maryland Million sire for more than a decade, had three winners as 2-year-olds.

The event was named in honor of Hall of Fame ABC Sportscaster and longtime Marylander Jim McKay by a resolution of the Maryland General Assembly in 2009. Maryland's horse racing industry has an economic impact of $2.9 billion annually and is a significant part of Maryland's largest industry: agriculture.

With the state's recent decision to preserve Laurel Park as a training center—keeping this historic venue active for generations to come—Maryland Million Day has a bright future ahead. Mark your calendars for October 24!

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

Caitlin captured this stunning winter wonderland scene at Riverfront Park trail, transforming our familiar paths into a magical landscape blanketed in fresh snow and ice. The pristine white covering the trees and trails reminds us that even in the challenges winter brings, there's beauty all around us if we take a moment to appreciate it.

📸 Congratulations, Caitlin! Thank you for showing us your Laurel and reminding us to find beauty in every season.

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!

It's Black History Month, and we're starting strong with cultural programming, family fun, and community events! Here's what's happening around Laurel THIS WEEK (February 3-8):

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 the film "American Fiction."

Adult Trip: Mustang Alley Bowling (21+) 📅 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center. 21+ only.

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.

Breakfast with Cookie or Scoop for National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day 📅 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM 📍 SweetFrog Laurel, Corridor Marketplace | Celebrate this fun holiday with ice cream for breakfast!

Safe Hearts. Strong Minds. 📅 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM 📍 Laurel Multiservice Center, 204 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD | Community health and wellness event.

Sponsored by Welcome Home Maryland

The Greater Laurel real estate market shifted in December—homes took longer to sell, but prices held strong. Instead of a weakening market, we're seeing a more selective one where strategy and preparation matter more than speed.

Watch December’s Market Update Video for a complete breakdown of what's happening across Prince George's County and what it means for your real estate decisions in 2026.

Planning ahead? Here are 16 upcoming events through March—from Valentine's Day celebrations to Women's History Month and spring activities!

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.

VALENTINE HAUNTED HOUSE: Love is Blind 📅 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM 📍 Laurel's House of Horror, 935 Fairlawn Ave, Laurel, MD | A spooky twist on Valentine's Day!

La Palapa Too Valentine's Day Fiesta 📅 8:00 PM 📍 La Palapa Too, 7500 Montpelier Rd, Laurel, MD | Celebrate love with great food and festive atmosphere.

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.

An Evening of Jazz, Rock & Pop w/DIY Jazz and South Hill Revival 📅 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 📍 Carroll Baldwin Hall, 9035 Baltimore St, Savage, MD | Live music spanning multiple genres.

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!

By The Way, Meet Vera Stark 📅 8:00 PM 📍 Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St, Laurel, MD | Powerful theatrical production at Laurel's historic playhouse.

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!

Women's Month Meetup: Ladies Night Out 📅 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM 📍 The Mansion at Laurel, 13910 Laurel Lakes Ave, Laurel, MD | Celebrate Women's History Month with fellow women in the community.

Adult Trip: Rod-N-Reel Resort (21+) 📅 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center. 21+ only coastal getaway.

The Gold Rush @ North Laurel Community Center 📅 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM 📍 North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD | Musical performance and family fun.

Acoustic Jam Presents: A St. Patrick's Day Musical 📅 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM 📍 North Laurel Community Center, 9411 Whiskey Bottom Rd, Laurel, MD | Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with live music!

Teen Trip: "The Wizard of Oz" @ Atholton High School 📅 6:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center to see this classic musical.

Adult Trip: MGM Resort (21+) 📅 12:00 PM 📍 Robert J. DiPietro Community Center, 301 8th St, Laurel, MD 20707 | Departs from the Community Center. 21+ only.

Eggstravaganza 📅 12:00 PM 📍 Granville Gude Park, 8300 Mulberry Ave, Laurel, MD | Spring celebration and egg hunt fun for the whole family!

Thanks for reading this week's edition!

What a week it's been—from recovering from the storm to celebrating groundbreaking projects that will shape Laurel's future. The Vineyard Village Resort represents the kind of bold economic development that creates jobs, attracts visitors, and puts our city on the map. Councilman Simmons' snow angel program showed what grassroots innovation looks like. And Bryan Sosoo's Olympic journey reminds us that Laurel produces champions.

As we move deeper into February, we've got Black History Month programming, Valentine's celebrations, and the first hints of spring around the corner. Stay warm, support local businesses, and we'll see you next week!

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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