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Fresh This Month | Issue 02 | June 2026
- tcutme
- Jun 1
- 9 min read
Laurel, this is Fresh This Month.
A monthly newsletter. Straight to the point. Every issue covers the things that are actually happening in your community:
Local events worth your time
New spots to eat in the DMV
Who's hiring and how to get in
What's going on in Laurel
June is not a slow month. Juneteenth weekend is here, and if you don't have plans yet, we're about to fix that. There are three grant deadlines for small business owners that land in the next 30 days real money, real urgency. Summer programs for the kids are starting up, and some spots are already going fast. Plus a big story about a Laurel institution most people don't know is in trouble. Let's get into it.
What's Poppin' in Laurel
Maola Dairy Plant in Laurel Is Closing
Operations start curtailing June 1, with full closure scheduled for December 31, 2026. Maola's Laurel ingredients plant is shutting down, and local jobs are going with it. This story hasn't gotten much coverage beyond The Laurel Independent which is exactly why you need that publication in your life. If you or someone you know works there, Maryland's American Job Centers can help with job placement and retraining at labor.maryland.gov/county/pg.
$10K Grant for New Laurel Businesses: Deadline June 30
The City of Laurel's Thrive Small Business Grant is giving away $10,000 to businesses that opened between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026, inside city limits. First-come, first-served. Email ECD@laurel.md.us now and ask about eligibility. Full details at cityoflaurel.org/1929.
Laurel Park Deal on Hold: 45-Day Review in Play
The Maryland Stadium Authority's $48.5 million deal to buy Laurel Park hit a wall in May. The Legislative Policy Committee put a 45-day review on it. That window closes in June, keep an eye on marylandmatters.org for updates.
Laurel Museum: New Exhibit on Freedom
The Laurel Historical Society has a new exhibit up exploring how Laurel's diverse communities have understood and celebrated freedom from 1876 through 1976 and beyond. A look beyond 4th of July. Worth a visit, especially with the family. Full details at https://www.laurelhistoricalsociety.org/exhibits.html
Farmer's Market: Every Thursday Through October
The Laurel Farmer’s Market is the perfect place to find fresh, locally grown produce and one-of-a-kind handmade goods while supporting small businesses in our community. Located at 378 Main Street from 3-7pm. The Farmer's Market runs through October 29. https://www.cityoflaurel.org/1617/Laurel-Farmers-Market
Events
AFRAM 50: June 19–21 | Druid Hill Park, Baltimore | Noon–9 PM (daily)
The 50th Annual AFRAM Festival: FREE ADMISSION. Thhree days packed with concerts, African drumming, carnival mask-making, art showcases, Health & Wellness Village, Podcast Patio with DTLR, and 100+ vendors. Performances by Charlie Wilson, The Lox, Mario, Tamia, PJ Morton, Lil' Mo, Ultra Naté, and more. Only 45 minutes from Laurel. More info at aframbaltimore.com
A Taste of the DMV: Food & Cultural Festival | June 19–21 | Baltimore, MD
Located at Camden Yards Sports Complex, this community-focused festival brings together food, music, dancing, cultural performances, local vendors, and entertainment from across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region. Guests can enjoy multiple stages, more than six hours of entertainment, family-friendly activities, vendor experiences, and small businesses. Tickets are currently listed at $10, with children under 11 admitted free. Full details at atasteofdmv.com
33rd Annual Barbecue Battle: | June 27–28 | Pennsylvania Ave NW, DC
Known as America’s Food & Music Festival, the event features world-class pitmasters competing for $50,000 in prizes, more than 100 free food samples, barbecue for sale, cooking demonstrations, and local vendors. Guests can also enjoy live music and entertainment across multiple stages, including go-go, reggae, rock, R&B, and world music, along with family-friendly attractions and sports activities. The festival supports local charitable organizations and offers free admission for children under 12. More details here bbqindc.com
Mark These Dates: Other Events Happening In June
June 11–13 | Upper Bay Juneteenth Festival | Darlington, MD
June 19 | Anacostia Community Museum Juneteenth Celebration [FREE] 10 AM–5 PM | Washington, DC
June 19–20 | Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival | Rockville, MD
June 20 | Laurel Juneteenth Celebration | Laurel, MD
June 20 | Annapolis Juneteenth Festival | Annapolis, MD
June 20 | Silver Spring Blues Festival | Silver Spring, MD
June 20 | DMV R&B Wine Festival | Crownsville, MD
June 27–28 | 33rd Annual Barbecue Battle | Pennsylvania Ave NW, DC
Every Thursday | Laurel Farmer's Market (3–7 PM) | 378 Main St, Laurel
Juneteenth: What Is It and How to Spend the Weekend
Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were told they were free two and a half years after the Civil War ended. The Emancipation Proclamation had been signed in 1863, but the news hadn't reached everyone in some places, it was deliberately withheld. This year, Juneteenth lands on a Friday with a full three-day weekend of events. Here's how to use it:
Friday, June 19th
-AFRAM kicks off at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore. Free. Bring the family. Get there early.
Saturday, June 20th
-Laurel Juneteenth Celebration right here at Granville Gude Park & Lakehouse. ----AFRAM day two, the
-Anacostia Museum's free celebration in DC
-Scotland Juneteenth Heritage Festival in Rockville.
Sunday, June 21st (Father's Day)
-AFRAM wraps up.
Eat Something New
Father's Day is June 21. Take him somewhere new. Here's where to go.
Blue Sunday Bar & Grill | New in Laurel
3443 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD · Asian-American Fusion
Blue Sunday just opened their Laurel location and it is built for a night out. Full sushi menu, handcrafted cocktails, outdoor patio, a lounge, and live music every Friday and Saturday. This is the spot for Juneteenth or Father's Day. Open Mon–Thur, 3 PM–midnight; Fri and Sat, 3 PM–1 AM ; Sun 3pm-11pm. Reservations and takeout available. https://www.bluesundaybargrills.com/pages/locations/laurel-md
Swahili Village
710800 Rhode Island Ave, Beltsville · East African · #3 on TripAdvisor in Beltsville
Minutes from Laurel and one of the best African restaurants in the DMV. With authentic East African food like grilled meats, traditional stews, and bhajia (spiced potato fritters). This is sure to be the kind of meal that becomes a tradition. Open Mon–Thur, 11:30 AM to midnight; Fri–Sat, 11:30 AM to 2 AM; Sunday, 11:30 AM to 1 AM.
Blü Cā: On the Radar | Coming Fall 2026
Baltimore Peninsula · Jamaican Reggae Fusion
From the team behind KŌnōkō and Island Spice. This 4,600 sq ft waterfront restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining features live music. Set to open in the fall, but worth keeping on your list.
Family Playbook
Summer is starting. If you haven't signed your kids up yet, this is your last real window. Several programs fill fast.
Cops Camp 2026: Laurel PD
August 17 - August 21 | Ages 6-13 | 811 Fifth Street, Laurel, MD 20707
Laurel Police Cops Camp is a weeklong program designed for children ages 6–13 to build positive relationships with Laurel Police officers. Campers take part in safety talks, arts and crafts, swimming, field activities, and hands-on lessons about police work. Download forms at cityoflaurel.org/356. Contact 301-498-0092 with any questions or inquiries.
PG Parks Summer Day Camp
June 15 – August 21 | Ages 4-21 | Prince George's County
Summer Programs and Camps, registration open. Families can select one or two-week sessions with activities like art, sports, robotics, nature, theater, swimming, digital media, and gymnastics. Camps cater to children ages 4–17, with Therapeutic Recreation Camps for county residents ages 6–21. Fee assistance is available for eligible families. Registration starts March 7th for county residents and March 18th for others via ParksDirect. Call 301-699-2255 with any questions or inquiries. pgparks.com/activities-events/summer-programs
Columbia Association Camps
June 22 – August 13 | Ages 5–12 | Colunbia, MD
Columbia Association’s CA Camps offer one-week summer programs for children. Families can choose from options such as art, nature, sports, or general day camps at locations throughout Columbia. Registration, fees, forms, and camp details are available on the Columbia Association website. columbiaassociation.org Call 410-313-7275 with any questions or inquiries.
HCC Kids on Campus
June 22 | Ages 6–17 | Howard Community College
Kids on Campus summer program offers hands-on classes for students ages 6–17 in subjects such as STEM, sports, culinary arts, and creative arts. Sessions begin June 22 with morning, afternoon, online, lunch, and aftercare options available. Registration is open, and families are encouraged to sign up early. https://www.howardcc.edu/programs-courses/continuing-education/courses/kids-on-campus/
Howard County Conservancy Nature Camps
June 16 - August 21 | Ages 5-12 | Howard County
Summer Nature Day Camps allow campers to spend most of the day outdoors hiking, exploring, playing games, and creating crafts that build their understanding of nature. Weekly activities include playing nature detectives, water exploration, learning survival skills and nature conservation, climate science, and environmental engineering. Sign up now at howardnature.org/camp
PG County SYEP
Ages 14–24 | July 6 – Aug 14 | Prince George's County
The Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) offers County youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 with enriching and constructive summer work experiences in community organizations, private sector companies, and government agencies with 1,000+ paid positions. Check syep.mypgc.us for remaining spots.
Economy Pulse
Three Grant Deadlines. Thirty Days. Move Now.
If you run a small business, June is the month to act. Three separate programs have open applications right now, and they all close before July.
Allstate Main Street Grants $20,000 | Closes June 23
Apply at helloalice.com. This grant has the earliest deadline, don't let it slip away.
City of Laurel Thrive Small Business Grant $10,000 | Closes June 30
For businesses opened July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026, inside Laurel city limits. First-come, first-serve. Email ECD@laurel.md.us or visit cityoflaurel.org/1929
City of Laurel Returning Citizens Employment Grant $10,000 | Closes June 30
Hire a returning citizen, the city will cover $5/hr of their starting salary. This is for businesses with 50 or fewer employees. Email Ecd@laurel.md.us or visit cityoflaurel.org/1961
These deadlines will be here before you know it. Share this section with any small business owners you know.
Get That Bag
Entry Level & County Jobs
Cybersecurity Apprentice: PG County | $17–20/hr | Closes July 5 | employpg.org/hot-jobs
IT Asset Transportation Specialist: PG County | $17–20/hr | Closes June 14 | employpg.org/hot-jobs
Always-on resources:
indeed.com | employpg.org/hot-jobs | jobapscloud.com/MD | usajobs.gov | labor.maryland.gov/county/pg
Learn a Trade
Howard County’s Office of Workforce Development offers apprenticeship resources for businesses and job seekers. The program helps employers build talent pipelines, access local incentives, and connect with apprenticeship support. Job seekers can receive career counseling, training referrals, and guidance on exploring active apprenticeship opportunities across Maryland.
The Maryland Apprenticeship and Training Program connects job seekers and employers with registered apprenticeship opportunities across the state. Apprenticeships combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, helping participants build skills while earning wages. Employers can also access support for starting or expanding apprenticeship programs and strengthening their workforce pipeline.
Coming Next Month:
Maryland Blockchain Association’s upcoming BlockchAIn Bootcamp & Workforce Expo will take place July 13–17, 2026, at Capitol Technology University in Laurel. The five-day career-focused event will feature blockchain education, workforce development, policy discussions, and opportunities to explore careers in AI, Web3, cybersecurity, digital assets, and emerging technology. Students, professionals, businesses, and community members can connect with industry leaders and learn about Maryland’s growing technology workforce.marylandblockchainassociation.org
Gig Life
Curri — Deliver construction supplies | curri.com
Uber Eats — Food delivery | tinyurl.com/5n8buzfp
Instacart — Grocery delivery | tinyurl.com/bddm6wcb
Veho — Package delivery | shipveho.com
Community Spotlight
The Laurel Independent
The Laurel Independent is doing the work that keeps this community informed and right now, it's fighting to survive.
This is the publication that dug up the Maola dairy plant closure. The same outlet covering the Laurel Park deal that the Maryland Stadium Authority tried to push through without publishing a cost estimate. Local stories that affect people in this city, written by people who live here and care about the outcome.
Here's the problem: Mayor Sydnor's budget reduces city funding to The Laurel Independent from $50,000 to $20,000 starting July 1. That's a $30,000 cut to a nonprofit local newsroom. Without local funding, local coverage shrinks and residents lose access to the information they need to hold their own city accountable.
Read it. Share it. Support it if you can. https://streetcarsuburbs.news/the-laurel-independent/ | @thelaurelindependent on Instagram.
Town Hall
June 8: Mayor and City Council Meeting, 6:00 PM
The monthly city council meeting is open to the public. This is where zoning, budget, and ordinances get decided. Agenda at laurel-md.municodemeetings.com. You can also watch on Laurel TV.
June 23: *MARYLAND PRIMARY*
Early voting opens June 11 and runs through June 18, 7 AM–8 PM. Governor, County Executive (PG and Howard), State Legislature, and U.S. House are all on the ballot. Check your registration and polling place at elections.maryland.gov before you go.
June 30: Master Plan Update Public Meeting, 6:00 PM
The city is updating its master plan and these meetings are open to residents. This shapes land use and development for the next decade. Show up if you have opinions about your neighborhood. cityoflaurel.org/1950
Stay On The Lookout: Laurel Park
The 45-day legislative review on the $48.5M stadium authority purchase may close this month. The committee flagged that no cost estimates or timelines were provided before the deal was announced. The outcome is yet to be determined. Stay tuned at marylandmatters.org.
Fresh Out
Lets some up some things: AFRAM 50 for Juneteenth weekend, three grant deadlines for small business owners, summer programs are still open, but filling up fast and a co-sign to local news for trying to keep Laurel honest.
That is Issue #02 of Fresh This Month
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Fresh This Month is published monthly by Tcutme Barber Studio | Laurel, MD