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International Night returns to Bond Mill Elementary School from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday at the school's cafeteria, 16001 Sherwood Ave.

Rosangel Pena, Bond Mill English for Speakers of Other Languages parent liaison, said parents bring in a food dish from their native culture. She said last year dishes came from India, Mexico, Morocco, America, El Salvador, Dominican Republic and Korea.

Pena said only 150 people will be allowed in because of limited capacity.

"Last year had a pretty good turnout," she said. "We're hoping for the same this year."

Pena said although it is still pending, Irish dancers and a mariachi band are in the works.

For more information, contact Pena at 301-497-3600

Laurel resident

presented with award

Laurel's Melonee Clark, was awarded the Award of Excellence in Advocacy by The Arc of Prince George's County on Oct. 23.

"In looking at Melonee, she just really personified what an advocate should be at the highest level, said Elizabeth Wilson, Arc communications coordinator. "She advocates for her daughter, she advocates for family, she teaches families how to advocate not just in the county but in the state."

According to the press release, The Arc of Prince George's County offers a lifetime of support, understanding, and opportunities to people with developmental disabilities and their families.

Clark was a graduate of the statewide leadership program Partners in Policymaking, a co-chair of The Arc Education Committee, and served on the Board of Education and Prince George's County Disability Task Force.

"I'm just overwhelmed with gratitude that they acknowledge my work with parents to advocate for their children to make a difference not just with their child but with everyone's," Clark said.

Share opinions on

future Maryland growth

Laurel residents are encouraged to participate in an online survey about their take on future growth and development in Maryland.

The survey, called Smart Growth Listening Sessions Online, is from the Maryland Department of Planning and the State Task Force on the Future of Growth and Development for the Maryland Municipal League.

Residents wishing to participate in the survey can visit MDP's Web site, www.mdp.state

.md.us, and click on the icon for Smart Growth Listening Sessions Online.

"This Web survey will further assist the Task Force in understanding citizen and community leaders' priorities and ideas …We must know how those affected by development feel and consider their recommended solutions," said Task Force Chair Jon M. Laria in a press release.

Christmas bazaar

The St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Fulton is having its annual Christmas bazaar from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Saturday. Fair Director Martie Nagle said vendors are invited to sell their crafts and baked goods.

Participants can purchase spaces for both days for $60 Spaces and tables can be rented for an additional $10.  If interested, call Nagle at 301-490-9446 or MCLNagle@comcast.net. 

City receives grant

for new radio system

Laurel was awarded a $607,945 grant from the Department of Justice to replace and update the city's radio system.

The grant was applied under the Justice Department's Community Oriented Policing Services Technology Grant.

"[The grant] involves mainly replacing the heart of the system, along with mobiles and portable radios," said Martin Flemion, Emergency Operations director.

Flemion said some the current radio equipment is almost 30 years old.

Laurel Board of Trade annual meeting

The Laurel Board of Trade is having its annual General Membership Meeting at 6 p.m. on Nov.19 at the General Federation of Women's Clubs-Laurel, 384 Main St.

Officials will be elected for the upcoming year at the meeting.

Administrative Coordinator Gail Reinhardt said all positions are open.

She also said although the meeting is not open to the public, anyone looking to join board of trade can attend.

Reinhardt said the board "helps promote local business in the Laurel area, especially the ‘mom and pop' stores."

For more information, call Reinhardt at 301-483-0838 or

e-mail grr1054@aol.com.

Resident heads Census Bureau media relations

Laurel resident Raul Cisneros has been chosen as chief of the Decennial Media Relations Branch at the U.S. Census Bureau.

Cisneros will be in charge of public affairs and media relations activities supporting the upcoming 2010 Census.

Born and raised in Panama, Cisneros graduated from the United States Air Force Academy with a Bachelor of Science.  He and his family have lived in Laurel since 2001.

Fingerprinting night

Scotchtown Hills Elementary School is having its fingerprinting and background check, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today at the school, 15950 Dorset Road Laurel.

Any prospective field trip chaperone must undergo the fingerprinting and a background check to fulfill state and county law requirements.

The charge for fingerprinting service is $61 and $7 for a background check.

Fingerprinting service is also offered at the county school system's Fingerprinting Office, located in Room 131 at 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro.

For more information, contact the school at 301-497-3994.

Laurel resident's son completes basic training

Matthew L. Harrington, son of Laurel resident Barbara Harrington, recently graduated basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio.

During the six weeks of training, Harrington studied the Air Force mission, organization, and military customs and courtesies. He received physical training, rifle marksmanship, field training exercises and special training in human relations.

Harrington also earned credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force, Montgomery, Ala.

Harrington is a 2007 graduate of Niceville High School in Niceville, Fl.

City seeks offers

for police building

Mayor Craig Moe and the Laurel City Council are requesting proposals for the purchase of city owned property located at 350 Municipal Square, Laurel, a city press release said.

The property is currently used by the Laurel Police Department, which is slated to move to the former location of First Baptist Church on Fifth Street next spring.

The Municipal Square property is located in a Village Zone, which allows for retail and office uses.

City officials are asking for proposals of at least $2.8 million.

"All responses must be in writing, outlining the amount offered as well as potential plans for the development or re-development of the property. All offers shall be full cash offers with settlement no later than Dec. 21, 2009," the press release said.

For more information, call Martin Flemion, Deputy City Administrator, at 301-725-5300.