West Laurel
- Virginia May Geis
- Oct 12
- 3 min read
Local news covering the West Laurel and Burtonsville areas
West Laurel Recreation Council
The WLRC offers programs for seniors at the West Laurel Community Building at 16501 Supplee Lane. Registration is through Prince Georges County Parks and Recreation. The classes usually are offered in 8-week sessions. For more information about upcoming classes, e-mail Nancy Whipple at njwhip54@verizon.net.
West Laurel Resident Association
The West Laurel Resident Association is sponsoring a craft fair on Saturday, November 15, at the West Laurel Community Building. The time is still to be determined. There will be a variety of craft tables selling unique gifts. For more information about this event, e-mail Cassandra Hostetler at chostetler@sflinc.org.
Wellness for Life—the “Cheers” of Fitness Centers
Tucked away on the second floor of the Gardens Ice House at 13800 Old Gunpowder Road is the Wellness for Life (WFL) Fitness Center. Veteran-owned and -operated since 2015, WFL is not just another gym.
Paul and Sharon Flaherty founded WFL in 1997 in a small space—about a quarter of its current size—with a family-feeling atmosphere. Although Paul tried opening a second location in Woodbine, he sold it after about two years. According to WFL manager Trish Hayden, who has worked there for 21 years, it only takes one visit to realize that “this is the gym you are looking for.” Trish also shared that, years ago, one gym member called WFL the “Cheers” of fitness, because everyone knows your name; people who discover it wish they had found it sooner and recognize the gym’s desire to partner in health and fitness.
WFL’s membership is very diverse, serving young adults, middle-agers, and seniors. In May 2023, owner Clai Carr marveled at the wonderful group of seniors who were members; he observed that members who joined at a young age look good up into their 90s. WFL now has a program for members who are 80 years or older and have five years of consistent membership: they receive a lifetime membership free of charge. To date, 21 seniors have received free memberships.
A WFL membership includes use of the sauna and access to all classes, held Monday through Saturday. The gym employs six class instructors and seven certified personal trainers, and has two assistant managers. Personal and team training is available in the forms of strength training, functional fitness, cardio, circuit training, pool access, a sauna, and group fitness and cycling. The facility was remodeled after the COVID pandemic and is known for its cleanliness and attention to hygiene.
Bethany Hosting Annual Fall Fest
Bethany Community Church will hold its annual Fall Fest on Saturday, October 26th, from 2–6 pm on the church property at 15720 Riding Stable Road. This popular event offers carnival games, door prizes, a moon bounce, hayride, pumpkin chunkin’ and more. Food trucks will be available on a pay-as-you-go basis, and The Petting Farm with Cowboy Barry will visit from 3–5 pm.
Update on Burtonsville Crossing
When I have a chance to visit the new businesses at Burtonsville Crossing, I would like to share my experiences. I went to Allure Nail Bar on Labor Day, partly because other salons were closed. I was not disappointed. The atmosphere was very relaxing, and the salon was spacious and clean. I did not count the number of regular pedicure chairs, but I noticed there were several alcoves for clients to have a more private, specialized experience. Further, Allure does not charge extra to clients who pay with a credit card. Good to know. I will definitely visit again.
Virginia May Geis is a native of Laurel and a graduate of Laurel High School, class of 1975. After a few decades away, she has been a Laurel resident again, since 2018.
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