The Moe Gram
 Volume  17           Issue  12       December  2024  
 
 
 
 
Dear Community of Laurel,

I am excited to announce the relaunch of the Moe Gram on a bi-monthly basis. This newsletter will provide information about events, meetings, social media posts, and updates from the Greater Laurel area.

I want to extend my gratitude for your emails and discussions over the past year. I hope you find the Moe Gram informative. If you have any information you'd like to share, please send it to cmoe2203@aol.com.
Thank you for your continued support.

Best regards,
Craig
 
 
Click here to read the City of Laurel Department of Parks and Recreation Special Events/Classes Guide.
 
 
 
 
The American Legion Post 60 has Friday Night Bingo for the public, doors open at 5 PM with early bird and ball games to entertain you until the first bingo at 7:30. Here is our BINGO Program listing the games and prizes.
 
See Bingo Events Info on Facebook Post60 Friday Night Bingo or Follow us on Twitter by clicking here.
 
 
On December 14, 2024 starting at 11:00 a.m., Wreaths Across America will be at the Ivy Hill Cementary to remember and honor our vetrans through the laying of remembrance wreaths on the grave sites of our Country's fallen heroes and the act of saying the name of each veteran aloud when laying the wreath at each site of honor.  
Look for other details at the City of Laurel website by clicking here or at the Wreaths Across America website by clicking here.
 
 
 
Dear Friends,
 
Giving Tuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.  As an all-volunteer organization, Fish of Laurel relies on donors like you to support our mission to feed our neighbors in need.
 
The need for our support in the community continues to grow. Meal services at Elizabeth House increased 12% this past year. Our volunteers served nearly 48,000 hot meals and our pantry supported 7,600 individuals and families.
 
Your generous donations are used to purchase food and supplies to serve our community 365 days a year. This Giving Tuesday, please consider making a financial contribution to fight hunger in our community. 
Give a Gift Today
Thank you for your continued support and generosity!
 
Learn more about Fish of Laurel, Inc. and how to get involv
 
 
 
 
 
Check out the City's Multiservice Center services and resources to support the needs of the Greater Laurel area by clicking the logo above.  The Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
 
To learn more about the history of the Center click here.
 
 

About Us - Learn More By Clicking Logo Above

Our Vision

It is the vision of this organization to increase the quality of life and provide companionship to the residents of our local community through specially trained service dogs, hearing dogs and therapy dogs.

Our Mission

Our mission is to enhance the quality of life for people in the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan community by providing specially trained hearing dogs, service dogs, combat-related PTSD dogs, and therapy dogs. Fidos also educates the public about individuals with disabilities and about the benefits of assistance dogs and therapy dogs and the work that these specially trained dogs do for individuals with disabilities, children with reading difficulties, and patients in health care facilities.
 
 
 
Acting County Executive

Tara H. Jackson

Tara Jackson is the Acting County Executive for Prince George's County, Maryland, succeeding Angela D. Alsobrooks, who was elected to the U.S. Senate. A dedicated public servant with a career spanning over two decades, Jackson has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to leadership, integrity, and community impact.
Before becoming Acting County Executive, Jackson served as the County’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) beginning in December 2020, a role in which she skillfully guided Prince George’s County through complex challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. She led efforts to transition the workforce to remote operations, establish vaccination centers, and manage federal relief funds with fiscal responsibility. Her collaborative leadership style and focus on empowering others earned her widespread respect across county government and the community.
Jackson’s journey in public service began as a line prosecutor in the State's Attorney's Office, where she was drawn to the discretion and responsibility to “do the right thing.” After eight years in private practice, litigating criminal, civil, and administrative cases, she returned to public service as Principal Deputy State's Attorney. In this role, she honed her skills in administration and leadership, which she later carried into her position as Deputy County Attorney. As Deputy County Attorney, she provided legal counsel to various government agencies and helped manage the administration of the County Attorney’s office.
Recognizing her passion for governance and organizational management, Jackson transitioned to the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO) for Government Operations under County Executive Alsobrooks. In this capacity, she helped streamline county operations and enhance public service delivery. She later rose to CAO, solidifying her reputation as a results-driven and empathetic leader. During her time as CAO, she served as a special advisor to County Executive Alsobrooks, providing counsel on difficult policy and fiscal matters. As CAO, she adopted an empowerment-focused leadership style, giving directors and DCAOs across County government the tools they need to achieve the priorities of the administration. 
Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law, and a Master of Divinity in Leadership Development from the Phoenix Seminary, reflecting her deep-rooted servant leadership style. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Upper Marlboro. In addition, she is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Board of Directors of the Foundation Schools, and serves on the Character Committee of the Fourth Appellate Judicial Circuit. Acting County Executive Jackson is a devoted wife to Lawrence Paul Jackson II and a loving mother to their son, Josiah. 
As Acting County Executive, Jackson’s priorities include maintaining the stability of government operations during the leadership transition, developing a responsible FY26 budget to send to the County Council, advancing key economic development projects like the Blue Line Corridor, enhancing community services, and ensuring equitable access to resources for all Prince George’s County residents. Her leadership is marked by a dedication to collaboration, transparency, and a vision for a thriving and inclusive community. Motivated by her faith and a commitment to public service, Acting County Executive Tara Jackson remains steadfast in her mission to make a positive and lasting impact on Prince George's County.
 
Support Laurel's Community Newspaper
Below is an email that I got and wanted to share with the community.  If you can give that would be a great way to support our local community newspaper.
Neighbors and friends,
American democracy is at the top of our minds this month with Election Day fast approaching. Today also kicks off this year’s NewsMatch campaign here at The Laurel Independent, which is our biggest fundraiser of the year. 
Democracy and journalism are two sides of the same coin. If you care about the health of one, you have to care about the health of the other. 
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform residents, to connect our community, and to hold the powerful accountable. Through our monthly newspaper, mailed to every home, we make civic engagement accessible to every Laurel resident for free. Our website and our newspaper provide essential information on local elections, on what local officials do once elected, and on how residents are getting together to improve their communities. None of that would be possible without the support of community members like you.

Thank you for being a donor to The Laurel Independent and for valuing independent hyperlocal journalism. If you are able to chip in a little extra in the spirit of NewsMatch — a collaborative movement that supports public-service reporting — we’d be so grateful. 

NewsMatch will match your new monthly donation 12 times or double your one-time gift, all up to $1,000.
Give today at StreetcarSuburbs.News/Donate, or send a check to
Streetcar Suburbs Publishing
Box 132, Hyattsville MD 20781

Thank you for stepping up to support journalism that strengthens our community and local democracy.
 
With gratitude,

Streetcar Suburbs Publishing
 
C. Michael Walls, Melanie Dzwonchyk and Joe Murchison, Laurel Board Members
 
 
Streetcar Suburbs exists thanks to your donations and fundraisers like this one. I appreciate your patience with extra emails during the period when your gift can be matched. By making a donation, you can skip the bulk of these messages going forward. You can also reply STOP and I won’t send more emails about the fundraiser. Thanks for all you do to contribute to the Laurel community!
 
LHS Holiday Open House
 
Prince George's County Rent Stabilization Act
Prince George’s County today announced the enactment of the Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act of 2024, a landmark law designed to safeguard renters from excessive rent increases. The new law, which takes effect on October 17, 2024, sets strict limits on how much landlords can raise rents each year, bringing stability to thousands of residents across the county.
“The Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act is an important step in addressing the housing affordability challenges our residents face,” said County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “This law will provide renters with the security they need, ensuring they are not burdened by steep rent hikes while landlords can continue to maintain their properties.”
Under the new law, rent increases for most rental units in Prince George’s County are capped at 6 percent annually or CPI-U (Consumer Price Index) plus 3 percent, whichever is lower. For residents living in age-restricted senior housing, rent increases are limited to 4.5 percent annually or CPI-U, whichever is lower.
Exemptions:
While the Act provides broad protections for renters, there are specific exemptions for certain types of properties. Units not subject to the new law include:
  • Newly constructed units completed on or after January 1, 2000
  • Units in medical, religious, and nonprofit facilities
  • Owner-occupied group houses, Accessory Dwelling Units, and certain condominiums
  • Hotels, motels, dormitories, and licensed assisted living facilities
Residents are encouraged to review the full list of exemptions to confirm if their rental unit qualifies under the law.
“This law strikes a balance between protecting renters and allowing landlords to make necessary investments in their properties,” added Aspasia Xypolia, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development. “It also includes provisions for fair rent returns and capital improvements, ensuring that the quality of rental properties across the county remains high.”
The Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) will oversee enforcement of the new law and will issue notices regarding allowable rent increases each year. Beginning May 1 of each year, DPIE will notify landlords and tenants of the upcoming year’s rent increase limits, which will be effective from July 1 through June 30.
For more information about the Permanent Rent Stabilization and Protection Act of 2024, visit mypgc.us/rentprotection or residents can call PGC311 or (301) 883-4748 for questions about the law.
 
Snow Emergencies In City
When is a Snow Emergency in Effect?
The City's Snow Emergency Plan goes into effect whenever a Snow Emergency is declared for Prince George's County. Also, the Mayor may proclaim or end a Snow Emergency. Snow Emergencies, snow related announcements and closings are announced on our Social media, most local radio and television stations and Laurel TV at Channel 71 (SD) or 996 (HD) on Comcast and Channel 12 on FiOS.

Parking Restrictions
During a Snow Emergency, parking is prohibited on the even-numbered side of designated City Snow Routes - remember ODD is OK! All other posted parking restrictions remain in effect. Parking is prohibited on both sides of the street along State and County Snow Routes. And the City will put out a call informing those who have signed up for the notifications, when a Snow Emergency is in effect.

Illegal Parking Notice
Cars parked illegally along Snow Emergency Routes will be ticketed, towed and impounded at the owner's expense and risk. If your car is towed, call the Laurel Police Department at 301-498-0092 for release information. Also, the use of snow tires or chains is required to operate a vehicle during emergencies.

Plowing and Salting
The Snow Emergency Routes receive priority in our Snow Removal Operations. Next, we take care of established hazardous locations such as hills, sharp curves and busy intersections. Then we take care of side streets. PLEASE BE PATIENT. During a major snowstorm, snow removal can be a monumental task. City crews work around the clock to clear streets and to provide other City services as well as clear parking lots and sidewalks at City buildings and other public service facilities. City crews do their best not to block driveways when plowing the streets, unfortunately it cannot always be avoided, please DO NOT throw snow back into the street.

Clearing Sidewalks
City Ordinance requires all owners and occupants to clear ice and snow from sidewalks fronting their property for safety purposes within 12 hours after the cessation of snowfall or ice accumulation. Failure to clear your sidewalk may result in a fine. Don't shovel ice and snow from your driveway or sidewalk onto the street. It causes a traffic hazard that must be plowed and salted again. Should you have any questions about the Snow Emergency Plan, please call the Department of Public Works at 301-725-0088 Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. (TTY/Text users call via Maryland Relay) or e-mail them at dpw@laurel.md.us.
 
 
 
All materials are the opinion of the writer.  Email:  camoe2203@aol.com  - 2024
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