Ghost at the Belair Mansion?

I received the first edition of a new magazine called Bowie Life in the mail last Saturday.  It's published by a company called Hibu, an international organization that also owns YellowBook USA.  I suspect that there must also be a Laurel Life magazine, an Annapolis Life magazine as well as countless others.

The magazine is heavy on the advertisements, including ads from local businesses like Rips, Golden Pavilion and Beall Funeral Home.  It contains general interest stories on topics like personal finance, real estate and health.  Local Bowie stories and announcements are also included. I learned from one article that the Bowie Interfaith Food Pantry is moving to the Kenhill Center.  That was news to me.

Bowie Life asks readers to submit photos and articles to be included in future editions of the magazine.  This edition included a story called "Messages from Beyond the Grave" that was submitted by Rob Gutro, a self described local resident, scientist and ghost hunter.  Gutro can be seen on the cover wearing his "I'm With Ghost" shirt.

In the article, Gutro describes his first visit to the Belair Mansion during a candlelight tour one December.  He instantly got a headache when he walked through the door to the mansion - something that happens to Gutro when he's in the presence of a ghost or spirit.  A little girl approached Gutro.  She told him that she wanted to play in her room, and she pointed toward the stairs.  There was a room on the second floor setup like a nursery, and the girl's ghost told Gutro that the nursery was her room.  No one else on the tour saw the little girl.

Gutro wanted to know the identify of the little girl.  He asked one of the tour guides if a little girl had died in the house.  According to Gutro, the tour guide recommended that he talk to the "house historian," and Gutro took the advice.  He learned that a two year old girl named Anna Marie Ogle had lived and died in the house (1849-1851), and that she was buried in the cemetery at the edge of the Belair Mansion property.  In a different account of the same story on his blog, Gutro's told how his body rapidly heated in the presence of the little girl, and he began to perspire.  Gutro believes that Anna Marie Ogle was sharing the experience of her death, which must have been accompanied by a high fever.

I had never heard of anyone at the mansion described as a "house historian," so I thought I would try to corroborate the details in Gutro's stories with available reference materials.  I confirmed that Anna Marie Ogle did live from 1849 to 1851, and she is buried at the cemetery on the mansion grounds along with her mother, but I found little information about her in the books that I own.

I decided to ask for help from Pam Williams, the Historic Properties Manager for the City of Bowie.  Not only is she an authority on the history of the Belair Mansion and property, but she has had an office in the mansion since 1996.

The Belair property in the mid 1800s was divided into different sections, Ms. Williams explained, and the mansion was just one of several houses on the property.  There was a section known as Bladen, and the house for Bladen was approximately located on the present day site of the Kenilworth Elementary School playground.  Young Anna Marie Ogle and her family lived in the Bladen house, and her aunt, uncle and cousins lived in the mansion.  History is full of uncertainties, and according to Pam Williams, it's possible that Anna Marie Ogle was either born in the mansion or died at the mansion, but it's highly unlikely.

It also turns out that Pam Williams had spoken with Gutro in the past.  He wanted to bring a team of ten people into Belair Mansion to hunt for ghosts, and he offered to donate $150 to the museum for the opportunity.  Pam Williams declined the offer.  Ms. Williams shared the following with Bowie Living.

This house has a long and interesting history on a stand alone history basis.  Lots of people lived here, and lots of people likely died here as well.  I do NOT like to promote “haunting.”  First, having been here since 1996, alone at night and during the day, in spite of saying “Hey, if you guys are here, come talk to me," I have NEVER seen a spirit – or had one approach me.  I’ve had a few headaches here myself over the  years, but they have more to do with budget planning and this kind of stuff than the presence of the dead.  We don’t need an audience delivered by thrill-seekers attempting to dive into the paranormal.    Second.   This house was home to many people.  I feel, on some level, that this is disrespectful to them.  Third.  We don't need $150 that badly.   These were real people, they lived here, and they had peace here.  I think they’re entitled to respect when they’re dead, too.  I’m sure he’s very serious in his study.  We’re just not going to exploit a dead child – or anyone else dead. 

So who was the young girl that approached Gutro in the mansion?  I encourage everyone to visit the mansion, and if you're approached by the spirit of a deceased girl, ask for her name.

The Belair Mansion is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 4pm.

Collington Station Burglary Alert

The City of Bowie issued the following burglary alert for the Collington Station neighborhood in Bowie.

John K. Nesky
Chief of Police


April 2013

The Bowie Police Department recently had three burglaries reported in your community. We have put together some safety tips to help you protect your home against break ins.

• During the day, leave drapes and shades in a normal position - the way you have them when at home. Don’t leave easily movable valuables in sight close to windows.
• At night, leave on some inside lights - bathrooms and hallways, for example.
• Consider buying automatic timers that turn lamps on after dark, then off a few hours later or at dawn.
• Never leave garage doors open - especially with no car in sight. This is a WELCOME sign to burglars.
• Install deadbolt locks. Make sure locks are firmly screwed in solid wood - not just into a light door jamb. The longer the screws and the longer the lock bolt, the safer your home will be.
• Burglars often try to find out if anyone is home by phoning. Warn family members, especially children, not to give out information over the phone.
• Avoid putting your name on mailboxes or on doors.
• Don’t open your door to anyone you don’t know and trust.
• Never keep large sums of cash around the house. Keep valuable jewelry that you don’t often wear in a safe deposit box.
• Don’t advertise your vacation plans. Let a trusted neighbor know you’re going on vacation and ask them to keep an eye on your house and pick up any mail or newspapers left at your doorstep.
• If you’ll be away from your home for an extended time, tell the Bowie Police Department 301-575-2480.
• Be a good neighbor. Keep an eye on your neighbors’ homes and ask them to do the same for you.
• The Bowie Police Department offers free home security surveys. Please contact Sgt. Henderson at bhenderson@cityofbowie.org to set up an appointment.

 

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO THE BOWIE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Sgt. Bennie Henderson
Community Service Supervisor

City of Bowie Press Release on Change in Fireworks Venue

For more information:

Matt Corley, Special Events Coordinator

301-809-3078 or email mcorley@cityofbowie.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 8, 2013

Bowie’s Fourth of July Celebration will be at Prince George’s Stadium this Year.

The Fabulous Hubcaps will Provide the Entertainment.

The City of Bowie is teaming up with the Bowie Baysox to establish a new Fourth of July tradition in Bowie. Rather than fireworks at Allen Pond Park, this year’s celebration will take place at Prince George’s Stadium on Thursday, July 4^th.

The Fabulous Hubcaps Band will kick off the event with a show beginning at 7 p.m. and fireworks will begin at approximately 9:15 p.m. The Fabulous Hubcaps are a popular oldies band, with a large local following. They have performed throughout the US and are known for their fun and entertaining performances. The celebration will be free and tickets will not be required.

“We’re excited about this change and think it will be a great experience for all who attend. In many ways we had outgrown Allen Pond as a venue,” said City of Bowie Special Events Coordinator Matt Corley. The stadium provides more comfort for attendees with seating, more restrooms, and a variety of concessions. Being at the stadium also makes it an easier event to manage. The stadium was built for large crowds and has ample parking and good lighting. “Last year we had some safety concerns with people setting off their own fireworks in the crowd. The setup at the ballpark allows us to better control access, and hopefully eliminate those types of concerns; while at the same time, we expect to spend less money on staffing. I think it’s a ‘win-win’ for everyone,” said Mayor G. Frederick Robinson. “We are very grateful to the Baysox organization for working with us to organize this event.”

This Fourth of July celebration is organized by the City of Bowie and the Bowie Baysox. The Baysox organization will provide ushers, parking assistance, concessions, and other event support. There is no baseball game at the stadium on this date. Parking and admission to the event are free. The main gate to the stadium will open at 6 p.m.

###

No More Fourth of July Fireworks at Allen Pond

Fourth of July Revelers Dance at Allen Pond Park, July 4, 2011

Bowie Living has learned that the days of watching 4th of July fireworks at Allen Pond are over. Future City of Bowie Fourth of July celebrations will take place at Prince George's Stadium - home of the Bowie Baysox.

According to Bowie Mayor G. Fred Robinson, the crowds have grown larger than can be reasonably accommodated at Allen Pond Park, and traffic continues to be a problem despite trying multiple traffic plans.  The Mayor also indicated that an increased use of unauthorized fireworks at Allen Pond created public safety concerns.

Prince George's Stadium was designed to hold 10,000 people, although approximately 14,000 baseball fans attended the Double-A All Star Game at the stadium in 2000.  Two parking lots can hold more than 2,500 cars, and it's believed that the close proximity to Routes 301 and 50 will create better traffic flow than past Fourth of July celebrations in Bowie.  The stadium provides controlled entrance points which should help keep unauthorized fireworks out.  The stadium will provide Fourth of July revelers with seating, restroom facilities and concessions.  An entertainment stage will be set-up - most likely along the third base line.

The festivities will take place as usual on July 4th.  The Bowie Baysox will be playing a game in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania that night, and Mayor Robinson said that the Baysox have expressed a willingness to make the stadium available to the City of Bowie for future Fourth of July celebrations.  The Baysox will have a fireworks show on Wednesday, July 3rd at the stadium after a game with the Akron Aeros.

Prince George's Stadium is the fourth City of Bowie fireworks venue.  City fireworks displays were originally held at the Bowie Race Track before the annual event was moved to Allen Pond Park.  At Allen Pond, the fireworks were originally set off across the pond from the amphitheater, but housing construction forced the city to move the fireworks display to the athletic fields at the park.
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Christmas Tree Lighting at Belair Mansion

Below are pictures from the City of Bowie Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Belair Mansion on Sunday, December 4, 2011.



Click on one of the pictures to see a slide show.

Belair Mansion was lit up for the ceremony. Prior to the tree lighting, the museum hosted the 16th Annual Candlelight Open House.

The city described the evening's events as follows

Holiday History at Twilight

Belair Mansion's Sixteenth Annual Candlelight Open House will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2011 from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Enjoy rooms from different eras - all bedecked with holiday cheer. The music of "Bedlam" will fill the air and cider and cookies will be enjoyed in the 1930's kitchen. Admission is free; donations to the Bowie Food Pantry are requested. No reservations are required.

This year, in celebration of Belair At Bowie's 50th Anniversary, the City Christmas Tree returns to Belair Mansion. Long a feature at the Mansion, before the City Hall move to Kenhill Drive, the tree has come back! Santa will visit, lights will be lit, old holiday memories will return --- and new ones will be made! Festivities begin at 7:00 p.m.

The sun room in the west wing of the mansion was set-up for the kids to meet with Santa.

The west wing of the mansion.

Nichelle Fullen and the Bowie City Council led the crowd in singing Christmas Carols.  Nichelle has been doing a terrific job leading the carols for the last several years.  Click here to see Nichelle's art work, and click here to see Nichelle perform America the Beautiful at a Bowie church.

The lighting of the Christmas tree

Nichelle Fullen and the City Council sing a modified version of "Here Comes Santa Claus." "Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, Right down Tulip Grove Drive..."

Click on one of the pictures to view a slide show.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on Tower 39

Santa and Mrs. Claus are lowered to the ground on Tower 39

Mrs. Claus

Santa Claus

Santa and Mrs. Claus enter Belair Mansion

Bedlam performed in the mansion

The volunteer firefighters were posing for a picture in front of the Christmas tree. The camera's flash made the reflective strips on their uniforms stand out.

Belair Mansion from Tulip Grove Drive. People are lined up at the door to see Santa.

Charity Rock and Roll Concert at Bowie Playhouse

The City of Bowie Arts Committee is sponsoring a night of rock music at the Bowie Playhouse on Friday, August 20th. Three up-and-coming local bands will be featured, and the proceeds will be donated to the International Bird Research Rescue Center.

The rock concert is the first of three music events planned by the arts committee. A jazz concert will take place in January, and a hip-hop event is planned for next March.

The concerts are the brainchild of arts committee member Owen Adams. Adams wanted to establish music events to showcase local talent and music that people wouldn't normally hear in Bowie. The event is described on the City of Bowie Web site as follows:

“Rock n’ Roll at the Playhouse”
The first of three music concerts aimed at college-age young adults and their young-at-heart friends will be August 20. The concert will showcase up and coming local artists from the metro D.C./Maryland area. For more information, contact Andra Berry at aberry@cityofbowie.org or Annette Esterheld at aesterheld@cityofbowie.org.

Adams became a member of the Bowie Arts Committee after graduating high school in 2008, and he is currently enrolled in a music program at the University of Maryland. Adams is known for his classical piano talents. He performed at the Haiti benefit concert at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts last February, and Adams' band Stravagant has performed at Bowiefest.

Adams said that he chose bands for the first event that had a good sound and a good following. Friday's rock concert will feature Monteclair (formerly known as Question the Hearing), Suffering Messiah and Adams' own band, Stravagant. Click here to listen to Monteclair performing "Less Days, Less Days," and watch the following video to see Stravagant performing "Better Than" at the 2009 Bowiefest festival at Allen Pond Park. Owen Adams is the musician playing the keyboard in the video.

The doors open at 7:00pm Friday night, and the first band will go on at 8:30. Admission is $5. Cetrone's Pizza is co-sponsoring the event, and pizza will be available for purchase between performances.


Related Links:

• Monteclair MySpace page
  
• Stravagant MySpace page
• Stravagant Facebook page
• Owen Adams MySpace page
• Owen Adams discusses concerts on Bowie News and View cable TV show
  

Bowie Playhouse
White Marsh Park
16500 White Marsh Park Dr
Bowie, MD 20715

View Larger Map

Hilltop 7-11 Robbed by Man with Gun

The 7-11 convenience store in Hilltop Plaza was robbed by a man with a gun early last Thursday morning, August 5th. The suspect made off with $25 in cash and fifteen packs of cigarettes. The robbery was captured on the store surveillance video. Click here to read the report from the City of Bowie Police Department.

Events for Sunday, June 13, 2010

Flag Ceremony and Concert at Allen Pond Park
An Elks Flag Day Ceremony will start at 6pm followed by a concert at 7pm. This week's concert features The Bay Winds Band. The following description of the band can be found on it's Web site.

Bay Winds is a non-profit volunteer organization which performs concerts in the Annapolis vicinity. The size of the band varies between 50 to 70 members. It plays outdoor concerts in the warm weather months and indoor concerts year-round.

The play list for Sunday night is as follows:

1. Joyces 71st
2. The Planets - Suite
3. Americans We
4. Russian Dance
5. Teddy Bear's Picnic
6. Brigadoon
7. Big Band Polka
8. On the Square
9. Montefeltro
10. Armed Forces Salute
11. America, The Beautiful
12. Stars and Stripes Forever

Tonight's concert is part of the City of Bowie's 2010 Sunday Sunset Concert Series at Allen Pond Park. Click here for a PDF file containing the 2010 schedule.


Bowie Farmers' Market
Open today from 8am to noon in the Bowie High School parking lot. The farmers' market is held each Sunday through October 31st.

Events for Today: Kids' Festival, Free Concert and More

Summer Kids' Festival and Free Concert
The Old Bowie Summer Kids' Festival will be held today (Saturday, June 12, 2010; rain date June 13). The City of Bowie will also be sponsoring a free concert in Old Bowie during the festival from 2pm to 4pm in Town Green Park. The following details were taken from the Simple Pleasures Ice Cafe's Web site.

Saturday, June 12, 2010, from 11am-6pm, Historic Old Bowie will host a Summer Kid's Festival. The festival will be hosted along the main street of Old Bowie.This event will offer inflatable amusements, railroad museum tours, birds of prey show, puppet show, pony rides, roaming clowns, face painting, story telling, bike rodeo, simulator games, and more. While the children are playing parents can enjoy a delicious treat, stroll over to our entertainment area and check out the live entertainment or work through our local shops to see the many antiques from different periods of time, as well as visit our local artisans booths For more information, call or email Simple Pleasures Ice Cafe.

Saturday Concert in the Park
This week's concert will feature the Beach Bumz Band playing songs from Jimmy Buffet, the Beach Boys, Bob Marley, the Beatles and others. Click here to see a video of the Beach Bumz Band perform. The concert is a City of Bowie sponsored event, and it will be canceled in the case of inclement weather.


Annual Open Barn at the Big Purple Barn
Learn about the camps and programs offered at the Hidden Haven Farm Equine Sanctuary and Educational Center in Bowie. Open Barn is 11:00am to 4:00pm, Saturday June 12 (June 13 rain date). Click here for more details.


Red Cross Blood Drive

Bowie Senior Center
Jun 12, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
14900 Health Center Dr
Bowie, MD

Park Ranger’s Canoeing Program at Lake Artemesia in Berwyn Heights
7 to 10am. Click here for details.


Welcome Home Ceremony for Troops at Prince George's Stadium
8am to 3pm. Barbecue and sky diving demonstrations will be featured. Click here and here for details.

Bowie News Flash - June 2010

The City of Bowie has released their monthly Bowie News Flash publication containing Bowie related news and list of events for June. See the full text below.

Bowie News Flash
June 2010

Bowie Business Incubator

The City of Bowie and Bowie State University’s College of Business are working together to establish the Bowie Business Innovation Center, to be housed at Bowie State University. The Center will help nurture new businesses in the Bowie area. A briefing for entrepreneurs, early stage companies, and home-based businesses will be held at City Hall on June 25^th from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Those interested in attending should email John H. King, City of Bowie Economic Development Director at jhking@cityofbowie.org.

Bowie Police Add Speed Camera Location
During the week of June 7^th, speed cameras will begin operating on Belair Drive, near the Belair Annex to Bowie High School. With the new cameras on Belair Drive and the ones that have been in place since mid-April on Northview Drive, the Bowie Police now have two locations in the City where they are using cameras to help control vehicular speeds in school zones. More locations are planned. Speed cameras are in operation throughout the year, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. For more information about this program, please contact the Bowie Police Department at 301-575-2480 or visit the Police Department page on the City website.

National Anthem and “Voice of Bowie” Auditions

The City will hold auditions to perform at City-sponsored events on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 in the Studio at City Hall. Auditions to sing the National Anthem will be held from 7 - 8 p.m. Auditions to be the “Voice of Bowie” will be held from 8 - 9 p.m. Appointments can be made by contacting 301-809-3078 or mcorley@cityofbowie.org. Walk-ins are welcome; however, you must sign up before 7 p.m.

Changes and Upgrades are in the Works for Allen Pond Park and Whitemarsh Park

After eight months of hard work and input from the community and staff, the City's consultant has finalized a Master Plan for Allen Pond Park. The plan proposes several significant changes to the park. The timetable for implementation of the plan will be set by the City Council. The plan may be viewed at www.cityofbowie.org/Parks/allen_pond_masterplan.asp.

Work on a plan for Whitemarsh Park is also underway. The 18-member Master Plan Steering Committee expects to hold a community meeting in late July to accept public comment on the conceptual plans being developed. Updates on formulation of that plan may be viewed at www.cityofbowie.org/Parks/whitemarsh_masterplan.asp.

Students Invited to Compete in City Poster and Photography Contests

Two art contests are currently available to Bowie students. “Bowie Recycles” is the theme for the 2010 Poster Contest. Students are encouraged to think of ways to recycle and then to visually represent their “green thinking”. “What I Did During My Vacation” is the theme for the 2010 Photography Contest. Students are invited to submit photos they took during a vacation away or at home (including the winter snowstorms) over the past year. The deadline for the poster contest is June 23^rd and the photography contest deadline is July 16^th. Information about both contests is available on the city website or by calling 301-575-5601.

City Beautification Awards

The City is accepting nominations for the 15th Annual Beautification Awards. Anyone can nominate a home or townhouse, business, school, or specialty garden. The nominated locations must be within the corporate limits of Bowie. Nominations must be submitted by June 25, 2010. For more information or to obtain a nomination form, visit the City website or contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or email mcorley@cityofbowie.org.

Grants

The City of Bowie offers a variety of grants to assist residents and organizations. There are Education Grants given to schools and organizations that enrich the learning opportunities of students attending eligible schools in Bowie, Community Outreach Grants for organizations with programs to help Bowie residents, Art Grants for those promoting the arts in Bowie, and Mortgage Assistance Grants for teachers, police officers and City employees seeking to buy their first home in Bowie. Deadlines and requirements vary. Visit the Grants page on the City website for details about these programs. There will be a Grants Workshop at City Hall on June 16^th at 7 p.m. to assist applicants in applying for the Education, Arts, and Community Outreach Grants.

In other grant news, the Department of Energy has given its approval to fund several City projects, totaling $464,000, under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program. There will be ten projects, including the installation of solar panels on government buildings, a pilot recycling program that will retrofit some recycling trucks to automatically lift and empty a new type of recycling bin, enhanced fuel cells for City police cars, and new insulation for the Bowie Senior Center.

Interested in Learning More About What's Going On in Bowie? Attend a City Council meeting or a City committee meeting. The Council generally meets on Monday evenings, beginning at 8 p.m. Regular meetings are held on the first and third Mondays and Worksessions are held on the second and fourth Mondays as needed. Most City committees meet monthly. For a schedule of upcoming meetings, go to www.cityofbowie.org. For more information, please call 301-809-3029.

Street Sweeping

City streets are cleaned approximately every seven weeks during spring and summer, according to the schedule posted on our website. Please park your cars in the driveway when the sweeper is scheduled to be in your neighborhood. For more information, call the Streets Division at 301-575-2472.

Bowie Farmers’ Market

There are more vendors and more variety of goods for sale at this year’s Farmers’ Market. Come check it out Sundays from 8 a.m. to noon in the parking lot at Bowie High School.

June Artist of the Month is Dee Ferguson. This month the hallways of City Hall feature a variety of photographs by this talented artist.

Samuel Ogle Middle School Showcases its Work in June. The Young Person’s Art Gallery features the work of Samuel Ogle students. The gallery is located at the front entrance to City Hall.

Events

6/4 - 6/27 – “The Secret Garden” at Bowie Playhouse. This musical is based on the classic children’s book. Produced by 2nd Star Productions. Performances are at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Matinees are at 3 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations can be made by calling the box office at 410-757-5700 or 301-832-4819.

6/12 – Saturday Concert Series featuring Beach Bumz 2 – 4 p.m. at Town Green Park, 9^th Street, Old Town Bowie. For more information, contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or mcorley@cityofbowie.org.

6/13 – Sunday Sunset Concert featuring The Baywinds Band and the Bowie Elks Flag Day Program 6 p.m. at Allen Pond Park. For more information, contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or mcorley@cityofbowie.org.

6/14 – Brown Bag Lunch Lecture at Belair Mansion 12 - 1 p.m. Bring your lunch and enjoy some history. Free. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or museumevents@cityofbowie.org.

6/16 – Grants Workshop 7 p.m. at City Hall. Learn how to successfully apply for Education, Art and Community Outreach Grants offered by the City of Bowie.

6/17 – Kids Kaboose 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Bowie Railroad Museum. Games, stories and trainspotting for ages 1 - 10. Free. For more information, please contact the Museum at 301-809-3089 or museumevents@cityofbowie.org.

6/18 – Bowie Senior Center 10^th Anniversary Celebration 10 a.m. at the Senior Center. Open to the public. For more information, contact the Senior Center at 301-809-2300.

6/19 – Saturday Concert featuring Acoustic Rock performer Joe Tichy 2 – 4 p.m. at Town Green Park, 9^th Street, Old Town Bowie. For more information, contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or mcorley@cityofbowie.org.

6/19 – “In the Park After Dark” 8:30 p.m. at Allen Pond Park. Listen to a story about nature told by a Park Ranger, then roast marshmallows, and enjoy the great outdoors. The program is free. Registration is required. Email amartinek@cityofbowie.org.

6/20 – “Skate Don’t Hate” Skateboard Competition 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bowie Skate Park. This all day competition features a raffle, free skates, and concessions. Contestants must wear a chin strap helmet and be registered with the Bowie Skate Park (this can be done on the day of the event). Bowie Skate Park is located at 3330 Northview Drive (in Allen Pond Park). For information and registration, call 301-858-1962.

6/20 – Sunday Sunset Concert by Carolyn Malachi 6 p.m. at Allen Pond Park. This special guest is sponsored by the Prince George’s Arts Council and features a selection of blues songs. For more information, contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or mcorley@cityofbowie.org.

6/22 – Tuesday Time Travelers 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Belair Mansion. Children ages 4 - 10 can enjoy a look at early American games and pastimes. No reservations required. Free. For more information, please contact 301-809-3089 or museumevents@cityofbowie.org.

6/23 – Nature Detective Scavenger Hunt, 10 a.m. at Whitemarsh Park. Try to discover animal tracks, where animals sleep, where they get water, and look and listen for animals along the way on this hunt. An adult chaperone must accompany all children throughout the event. The program is free. Registration is required. Email amartinek@cityofbowie.org.

6/25 – Business Incubator Briefing 8 a.m.- 9:30 a.m. at City Hall. Learn about Bowie’s new business incubator program at this informational meeting. RSVP to jhking@cityofbowie.org by June 18th.

6/26 – In-line and Skateboard Demonstrations 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Bowie Skate Park. Live music, raffle and skateboard and in-line skating demonstrations will be featured at this all-day event. Helmet with chin strap is required. For information, call 301-858-1962.

6/26 – Take a Walk on the Wild Side in a City Park, 8:45 p.m. at Whitemarsh Park.

Join a City of Bowie Park Ranger for a moonlight walk through the Whitemarsh Park trails. Look, listen, and learn about nature along the way. An adult chaperone must accompany all children throughout the event. The program is free. Registration is required. Email amartinek@cityofbowie.org.

6/26 – Saturday Concert Featuring 5 Oaks, a folk/rock/country band, 2 - 4 p.m. at Town Green Park, 9^th Street, Old Town Bowie. For more information, contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or mcorley@cityofbowie.org.

6/27 – Sunday Sunset Concert Featuring The Winstons, a Motown band, from 7 - 8 p.m. at Allen Pond Park. For more information, contact Matt Corley at 301-809-3078 or mcorley@cityofbowie.org.

6/28 – Nature Bingo 10 a.m. at Allen Pond Park. Have fun in the park and learn something too! An adult chaperone must accompany all children throughout the event. The program is free. Registration is required. Email amartinek@cityofbowie.org.

6/30 “What Bugs You?” Nature Walk 10 a.m. at Allen Pond Park. Take a walk with a Park Ranger together to see what kinds of bugs can be found and learn something about them. Children must be accompanied at all times by an adult chaperone. The program is free. Registration is required. Email amartinek@cityofbowie.org.

Next Month….

Sunday, July 4^th – Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks at Allen Pond Park.

Monday, July 5^th – Independence Day Holiday. City offices closed. No refuse or recycling collection Collection resumes on your next regularly scheduled day.

Bowiefest 2010 at Allen Pond Park on Saturday

Rides, activities, crafts, music, entertainment, food and more food can be found this Saturday from 11:00am to 6:00pm for Bowiefest 2010 at Allen Pond Park (rain date Sunday, June 6th). Here is a sample of the activities and rides:

• Giant slide
• Moon bounce
• Pony ride
• Petting zoo
• Rock wall
• Face painting
• Crafts

The entertainment includes a live reptile show and several area bands.

Parking at Allen Pond Park could be an issue because the amusement rides will occupy the grassy area that usually serves as the overflow parking lot. Shuttle bus service is available from 10:30am to 6:30pm between the Park & Ride lot on Northview Drive and Allen Pond Park. See a map showing the remote parking lot on Northview Drive by clicking here.

The City of Bowie put together an informative program that you can see in PDF format. Click here to see the complete list of rides, activities, food vendors and entertainment. I didn't notice the second page the first time I opened it up, so be sure to look for both pages in the PDF file.

The city also issued the following press release:

Bowie, Maryland - May 24, 2010 - Join your neighbors and CELEBRATE BOWIE at the annual Bowiefest on Saturday, June 5, 2010, from 11:00 AM until 6:00 PM at Allen Pond Park (3330 Northview Drive).

Bowiefest is a long-standing tradition in the City that brings the best of Bowie's civic organizations, entertainers, and businesses to one place for one day. Around the pond you can sample food from area vendors including cotton candy by the Collington Masons, fish & chips provided by the Bowie Xpress, and beef barbecue by the Belle-Aires Twirlers. Other festival favorites include soft serve ice cream, funnel cakes, Italian sausage, frozen fruit drinks, and fresh-squeezed lemonade.

Entertainment will be provided on two stages featuring Bowie's own Reptile World with Michael Shwedick, Belair Square Cats, C&C Dance Company, and including Bowie's own Proverbs Reggae Band who will fill the stage with music from Jamaica and is sure to get you up and dancing on the amphitheater lawn. The East Pavilion Stage brings you the Bands of Bowie playing a variety of music all day with 40 Dollar Fine, Good Kemistry Band and Stavagant to name a few.

In addition to the plethora of food and entertainment, don't forget to stop by the craft tables organized by the Soroptimist International of Bowie/Crofton and purchase beautifully handcrafted wares.

Stop inside the Ice Arena for the Business Expo, organized and operated by the Greater Bowie Chamber of Commerce.

Back outside there are a number of non-profits organizations providing information about their organization's services. Rides, games, and activities make a day at Bowiefest complete. From moon bounces to rock walls and petting zoos to pony rides, there is sure to be something for all ages. (Rain Date June 6^th)

For more information about Bowiefest call 301-809-3078.

Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park

The Disney-Bell American Legion Post 66 hosted this year's Memorial Day Ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park in Old Bowie. A larger-than-normal crowd gathered for the event despite the oppressive heat, and NBC 4 covered the ceremony on the evening news.

More than 70 pictures from the ceremony and the lunch that followed can be seen on the Bowie Living Facebook page by clicking here.

Bob Flick and Ed McDonald present a wreath from the Marine Corps League.

City of Bowie Mayor Fred Robinson and City Council Members Isaac Trouth, Jimmy Marcos, Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Diane Palangin, Dennis Brady and Todd Turner

Lunch at the Disney-Bell American Legion Post 66