Here's What's Going On In Bowie In August

From the City of Bowie:

August 2019

Brews N Bulbs August 1

City of Bowie staff and Starbucks at Bowie Town Center will host a lightbulb exchange on August 1. Exchange old compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs) for an LED and enjoy a free tea!

CFLs contain mercury and should not be placed directly into the trash. Instead, bring them to this exchange and let us safely dispose of them for you (or drop them off at Home Depot). The event is August 1, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Starbucks at Bowie Town Center. For more information, visit www.cityofbowie.org/greenbowie. Or contact Ashleigh Armentrout at aarmentrout@cityofbowie.org, or 301-809-3044.

City Council Meetings to Note

August 5 Council Meeting, 8 p.m. Agenda topics: City Transportation Priority List, Charter Amendment CAR-2-19 on the issuance of bonds and notes, and All Way Stop Warrants

This is the only Council Meeting scheduled for the month of August. For more information, please contact the City Clerk at 301-809-3029 or ahernandez@cityofbowie.org.

2019 Election Information

The next City election is November 5, 2019. The offices of Mayor and six Councilmembers will be up for election. Residents who are registered voters can file for elected office in the Office of the City Clerk. Please call the City Clerk at 301-809-3029 in advance to verify filing eligibility requirements and to arrange a filing date and time. The last day to file for office of Mayor, two At-Large seats, and Council Districts 1, 2, 3, and 4 is October 4, 2019.

National Night Out is August 6, 6 - 8 p.m.

The Bowie Police Department will once again host National Night Out, the nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Join the Bowie Police on Tuesday, August 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Allen Pond Park (3330 Northview Drive) for music, food, public safety information, community displays, and free family fun! For more information, please contact 240-544-5792.

Farmers’ Market Corn Roast

Mark your calendar for the Market “Corn Roast” on August 11! And join us for the Bowie Farmers’ Market each Sunday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. through October 27.

Market vendors offer fresh locally grown produce, fruit, cut flowers, plants, breads, pastries, jams, jellies and more. The Market operates in the parking lot of Bowie High School, located at 15200 Annapolis Road. For more information, contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or mcorley@cityofbowie.org. Be sure to visit the Bowie Farmers’ Market Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BowieFarmersMarket.

Community Development Block Grant Program Public Hearing August 13

In accordance with guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), notice is hereby given that the City of Bowie, as an entitlement participant in the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, solicits public participation in the development of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for fiscal year 2019 (HUD FY 2018) at a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at 7 p.m. at Bowie City Hall, 15901 Excalibur Road, Bowie, Maryland.

All City CDBG documents are posted at www.cityofbowie.org/grants. During fiscal year 2019 the CDBG program supported the Single Family Housing Rehabilitation Program, a Workforce Development Training Program, a Fair Housing Training Program, Development of the Consolidated Plan for Community Development, and an update to the 2012 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choices Report.

Play “Kickball for a Cause” Saturday, August 24

The Bowie Police Department announces its first “Kickball for a Cause” charity tournament! The Department is excited to host a day filled with fun, food and kickball with friends on Saturday, August 24. This event benefits HEROES, Inc., an incredible nonprofit dedicated to honoring the supreme sacrifice of law enforcement officers and firefighters who give their lives in the line of duty. HEROES Inc. honors fallen heroes by assisting their families in making smart decisions, protecting against loss, and staying on solid financial ground; help begins within 24 hours of a tragic loss. Be the last team standing to support this organization by registering you and/or your team at www.cityofbowie.org/kickball. . Registration is $350 per team.

Bowie Police Department is Now a “Transaction Safe Place”

Looking for a safe location for your next online/app purchase exchange? The Bowie Police Department, located at 15901 Excalibur Road (lower level), is now a “transaction safe place”. Please note that while the station is operational 24/7, Bowie Police encourage residents to consider daytime hours for transactions. No officers or department personnel will be present for any exchange. You must arrange your own meet up times and conditions.

Here are some tips to ensure your experience with an online exchange/buy/sell app doesn’t turn out poorly:

• Never use your own home as a meeting location
• Arrange meets during daylight hours
• Never go to meeting locations alone
• Insist on using cash instead of personal checks
• Be wary of anyone who refuses to meet at a public location, police stations included.

Apply for a Single Family Housing Grant

The Single Family Housing Rehabilitation Program is a federally funded grant program that provides financial assistance to single-family homeowners with limited financial means. The purpose of the grant is to provide energy efficiency related upgrades and repairs to correct hazardous conditions, repair or replace major systems, correct interior and exterior deficiencies, energy improvements, modifications for persons with disabilities, and eliminate lead based paint hazards.

To be eligible to participate, the applicant must be of low to moderate income and be the legal owner and full time resident of a property located within the incorporated boundaries of the City of Bowie. The maximum grant per household is $10,000. Prior grant recipients (within the previous ten years) are ineligible to apply. This new program will provide energy audits and energy efficiency rehabilitation activities to all low to moderate income households, with a focus on seniors, veterans, disabled home­owners, emergency responders, and teachers. Applicants must provide income and asset verification. Additional federal requirements apply. For more information and an application, contact the City’s Office of Grant Development and Administration at 301-809-3051 or bowiehsg@cityofbowie.org.

What’s Bouncing at the City Gym?

• Morning Walking: 7:30 - 9 a.m.
• Basketball Open Gym: Weekdays, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Coed Recreational Volleyball: 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• Pickleball: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 - 11 a.m.
• Senior Fit: Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9 - 10 a.m. takes place at Kenhill Center, for the summer. (Senior Fit will return to the Gym September 9.)

For more information about programs at the City of Bowie Gymnasium call 301-809-2388.

Please note: The Gym will be closed for annual maintenance August 26 to September 9. No recreational space or activities will be available. During this time, staff will have office hours Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Looking for Indoor Court Time This Fall?

The City is preparing to allocate indoor court time for the fall sports season. Allocation applications will be accepted until August 20. For more information, please call 301-809-2388 or visit www.cityofbowie.org/gym.

Planning to Replace Your Fence?

If you have a fence that was constructed before 1992 or a fence that was built illegally, you may not be able to re­place it in the same location. There are many fences that were installed before the City adopted fence requirements. Fences that were built before 1992 and do not comply with the current requirements are considered non-conforming fences. When a non-conforming fence is in need of replacement, it must comply with the current setback requirements and the City Code.

Currently, front yard fences are prohibited, except on specific lots in Old Bowie; and most fences on corner lots must be set back 36 feet from the side street. These requirements apply to all fence types, no matter the height. For more information, contact Jamie Braun in the Code Compliance Office at jbraun@cityofbowie.org or 301-809-3012.

Hurricane Season

Now is the perfect time for Bowie residents to prepare for the effects of a major storm. For helpful tips and information, visit www.cityofbowie.org/hurricanes.

Arts Grants

Individuals or organizations offering projects involving Bowie residents in interactive arts or performance may apply. Application deadline is September 6. For more information, contact Neil Norris at nnorris@cityofbowie.org or 240-544-5601.

Rain Barrels Across Bowie

Do you have a rain barrel and live in Bowie? We’d like to know! The City’s Planning Department keeps track of rain barrels installed by residents to estimate stormwater reductions for its stormwater permit. If you haven’t “registered” your rain barrel, please contact Watershed Manager Tiffany Wright at 301-809-3043 or twright@cityofbowie.org with your address and how many gallons your rain barrel holds.

Lawn Mower Rebate

City residents who purchase a new mulching, electric, or manual reel mower are eligible to receive a $50 rebate from the City of Bowie. To obtain your cash rebate, bring proof of City residency and the receipt for a mulching, electric, or manual reel mower to the Finance Department at City Hall. If the receipt does not specify that the mower is one of these three types, please also bring a manual or other documentation for the mower. Rebates are limited to one per household. For more information call 301-809-3020 or visit www.cityofbowie.org/greenbowie.

$20 Compost Bins Available at City Hall

Purchase a $20 compost bin at City Hall and start composting now!. City residents may purchase up to two bins per household. Payment can be made by cash or check at the Finance window during City’s business hours (Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to

5 p.m.). In the evenings (Monday through Thursday until 10 p.m.) and on Saturday mornings (8:30 a.m. to noon) only checks are accepted. Learn more about compost bins atwww.cityofbowie.org/compost.

Mosquito Control Program

The Maryland Department of Agriculture provides mosquito control services to the Bowie area. The mosquito control program began with larviciding in March and will continue into September. Each neighborhood has been scheduled for adult mosquito surveillance and possible spraying (for schedule, see www.cityofbowie.org/mosquitoes). A resident wishing to exclude their property from spraying must submit a request to the Maryland Department of Agriculture Mosquito Control Office, 301-422-5080 or www.mda.state.md.us. For more information, contact Bowie Public Works at 301-809-2336 or dcullins@cityofbowie.org.

Caring for Your Pets in the Heat

Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it is hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it is extremely hot.

When the temperature is very high, do not let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

It doesn’t take long for the temperature inside a vehicle to rise and become hazardous to your pet. Even on cloud covered days or when temperatures are in the 70s, the heat generated inside a parked vehicle can be deadly. Lowering a window is not a solution. Leave your pet at home.

Signs of heat distress include heavy panting, glazed over eyes, rapid pulse, vomiting, or a deep red or purple colored tongue. If you see an animal in a yard or a hot car exhibiting these signs, call Bowie Animal Control or 911. You may also report the vehicle’s tag number to the nearest store or business and request an emergency announcement be made. For more information, please contact Bowie Animal Control at 301-809-3002 or visit www.CityofBowie.org/AnimalControl.

Bowie Youth and Family Services

We offer counseling for all families in the City who have children in the home who are high school age or younger. Other services include outreach activities and a mentoring program for students at Bowie High School. Staff members are licensed clinicians who each hold a graduate degree in a mental health specialty and who have years of training and experience in treating children, teens, and their families.

Registration is underway for four groups beginning this fall:

• Calm Confident Kids Helps school-aged children develop strategies for managing worries.
• Active Parenting Open to parents with school-aged children or teens.
• Girls Count After-school program for girls in grades 9 - 12.
• ADHD For children ages 7 - 11 with Attention Deficit Disorder and their parents.

For more information, please call 301-809-3033.

Need Extra Help This Summer?

Bowie Youth & Family Services sponsors a Teen Job Bank that connects residents who need help with Bowie youth who are looking for opportunities for making extra money, on either an occasional or a regular basis. Res­idents may use this service to find teens that can help with lawn mowing, babysitting, tutoring, shopping or other chores. You and the teen determine the particulars of the job and the fees per hour. To hire a teen or sign up to work, complete the appropriate application found at www.cityofbowie.org/cityforms or call 301-809-3033.

Teen Mentoring Program Needs Volunteers

Imagine an hour that impacts a lifetime. When you volunteer to mentor a Bowie High School student, you will spend one hour a week building a positive relationship that has the potential to change the course of a teen’s high school experience, their life, and your community! For more information, contact Program Coordinator Tia Younger at 301-809-3033 or mentor@cityofbowie.org.

Sunday Sunset Concerts

Concerts are every Sunday through September 1, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Allen Pond Park. They are canceled in inclement weather. For information: www.cityofbowie.org/concerts, mcorley@cityofbowie.org, or 301-809-3078.

The Fabulous Hubcaps will perform at Allen Pond Park in a special concert on September 8 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. This is to make up for the concert that had to be canceled at the fireworks celebration on July 2 due to storm-related difficulties.

Exhibit: Figuratively Speaking

The City Hall Art Gallery exhibit Figuratively Speaking runs through September 14. It is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are City Hall hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Jobs

The City of Bowie is seeking applicants for the following positions:

• HVAC Specialist/Trainee – Public Buildings and Grounds (open until filled)
• Bus Driver – Part time – Senior Center (open until filled)
• Gymnasium Supervisor – Part time – Community Services (open until filled)
• Police Officer – Entry level (open until filled)
• Communications Specialist II – Police Department (open until filled)
• Solid Waste Collector – Public Works (open until filled)

For more information, visit www.cityofbowie.org/jobs.

Save the Date - Holiday Arts & Crafts Market - November 23

The Arts Committee is hosting a Holiday Arts & Crafts Market at the Bowie Senior Center on Saturday November 23, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors interested in participating in this event must register by October 18, 2019. For information and an application, contact Neil Norris at 240-544-5601 or nnorris@cityofbowie.org or visit www.cityofbowie.org.

Events

8/1 Brews N Bulbs 1 - 3 p.m. at Starbucks, Bowie Town Center Do you own old Compact Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)? Did you know they should not just be put into your trash? They contain mercury, which means they need to be disposed of properly, at events like this or at take back locations such as Home Depot. Bring your old CFLs to Starbucks at Bowie Town Center and receive a free LED and a tea! The new LED bulbs are courtesy of Philips and the tea is courtesy of Starbucks.

8/4 Bowie Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Bowie High School parking lot (15200 Annapolis Road). Our annual Farmers' Market operates every Sunday through October 27. For more information, contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or mcorley@cityofbowie.org or visit www.cityofbowie.org/farmersmarket.

8/4 Sunday Sunset Concert Series – US Navy Band Cruisers (Rock) 7 - 8 p.m. at Robert V. Setera Amphitheater, Allen Pond Park. These concerts offer relaxing entertainment for the entire family. All concerts are free. They are canceled in case of inclement weather. For information: www.cityofbowie.org/concerts, mcorley@cityofbowie.org or 301-809-3078.

8/5 City Council Meeting 8 p.m. at City Hall. Agenda topics: City Transportation Priority List, Charter Amendment CAR-2-19 on the issuance of bonds and notes, and All Way Stop Warrants. This is the only Council Meeting scheduled for the month of August. For more information, contact the City Clerk at 301-809-3029 or ahernandez@cityofbowie.org.

8/6 National Night Out 6 - 8 p.m. at Allen Pond Park. The Bowie Police Department will once again host National Night Out, the nationwide campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Join us for music, food, public safety information, community displays and free family fun! For more information, please contact 240-544-5792.

8/9 – 8/24 Amelie at the Bowie Playhouse. Tickets and information: 301-832-4819 or www.2ndstarproductions.com

8/10 Genealogy Workshop: The ABC of Genealogy Research 12 - 4 p.m. at Belair Mansion. Free. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or museumevents@cityofbowie.org.

8/11 Bowie Farmers’ Market 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. in the Bowie High School parking lot (15200 Annapolis Road). This week is the Market “Corn Roast” from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Enjoy free hot buttered corn on the cob (while supplies last).

8/11 Sunday Sunset Concert Series – 257th Army Band (concert music) 7 - 8 p.m. at Robert V. Setera Amphitheater, Allen Pond Park. All concerts are free. They are canceled in case of inclement weather.

8/13 FairyTale Fun 10 a.m. at Belair Mansion. Stories, craft and a snack for ages 2 - 8, with adult. Free. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or museumevents@cityofbowie.org.

8/13 Ebony Images Trivia Contest 12:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.

8/13 Community Development Block Grant Program Public Hearing 7 p.m. at City Hall. Information: www.cityofbowie.org/grants or jbuggs@cityofbowie.org or 301-809-3094

8/14 Car Clinic 12 - 2 p.m. at the Senior Center. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.

8/15 Variety Show 12:15 p.m. at the Senior Center. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.

8/16 Artist of the Month: Francis Sweet 1 p.m. reception at the Senior Center. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.

8/17 Wonderful World of Herbs 12 - 4 p.m. at Belair Mansion. Free. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or museumevents@cityofbowie.org.

8/18 Bowie Farmers’ Market 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. in the Bowie High School parking lot (15200 Annapolis Road).

8/18 Sunday Sunset Concert Series – Priceless Advice (90s music) 7 - 8 p.m. at Robert V. Setera Amphitheater, Allen Pond Park. All concerts are free. They are canceled in case of inclement weather.

8/20 Hurray for Hollywood – Stephanie Dailey 12:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. For more information, please contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.

8/24 Play Kickball for a Cause 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Jericho Park. The Bowie Police Department is excited to host a day filled with fun, food and kickball with friends. This event benefits the HEROES, Inc., an incredible nonprofit dedicated to honor the supreme sacrifice of law enforcement officers and firefighters who give their lives in the line of duty. Register atwww.cityofbowie.org/kickball. Registration is $350 per team.

8/24 Pretty Practical Paste Board 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Belair Mansion. Preregistration required. $20 /person (ages 16+). For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 ormuseumevents@cityofbowie.org.

8/25 Bowie Farmers’ Market 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. in the Bowie High School parking lot (15200 Annapolis Road).

8/25 Sunday Sunset Concert Series – Rise Band & Show (Motown/R&B) 7 - 8 p.m. at Robert V. Setera Amphitheater, Allen Pond Park. All concerts are free. They are canceled in case of inclement weather.

9/1 Sunday Sunset Concert Series – Bowie State University Concert Band (Patriotic music) 7 - 8 p.m. at Robert V. Setera Amphitheater, Allen Pond Park. All concerts are free. They are canceled in case of inclement weather.

9/2 Labor Day Monday, September 2 is a City holiday. City offices are closed. There is no refuse or recycling collection this day. Collection will resume on the next regularly scheduled day.

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