West Laurel
Local news covering the West Laurel and Burtonsville areas
Laurel-Based Nonprofit Finalist for Worldwide Award
In the Spring 2022 issue of Voices of Laurel, we introduced you to a nationally acclaimed nonprofit organization called Friends of Tonga that was formed by former Peace Corps volunteers, including two West Laurel residents, Chiara Collette and Michael Hassett. In the Winter 2023 edition of Voices of Laurel, we updated readers on Friends of Tonga—a volunteer-run nonprofit that works with communities in Tonga on education, disaster resilience, water security, and environmental stewardship.
Now we are happy to see this locally based, world-renowned nonprofit in the news once again as one of 35 finalists worldwide for the 2026 .ORG Impact Awards—and also one of five finalists in the Environmental Stewardship category. This award recognition reflects a much larger body of work with the organization’s simple approach: “Communities lead; we support.”
There is also a Baltimore connection to Friends of Tonga. Earlier this summer, former Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and his family visited Tonga—the country of his heritage, as his parents immigrated to the U.S. from Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu. While there, Ngata helped to plant mangrove trees as part of a reforestation project to fight coastal erosion, helped create a compost pile to boost soil fertility, and joined local volunteers for other community events. His trip was coordinated by Friends of Tonga and the Civil Society Forum of Tonga.
Restaurant 198 Replaces Seibel’s
Anyone from the Laurel area knew about the longtime restaurant called Seibel’s—known especially for their ice cream—and was sad to see it close. Well, Restaurant 198, which opened a few years ago at the same location in Burtonsville (just past the CVS), is well on the way toward building its own reputation. My husband and I try to go out to breakfast now and then, and this Labor Day we tried Restaurant 198. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was casual and comfortable. The menu leaned a little toward Tex-Mex cuisine, but there was enough “good old American food” for less adventuresome diners. My husband ordered something called the Ribbon Steak Omelet, and there was so much food he could not finish it! I was pleased to learn that there are gluten-free options, because everyone likes toast with an omelet. The restaurant also offers different types of live entertainment depending on the day of the month, as well as trivia. Check out their website at https://www.198eats.com.
Upcoming West Laurel Community Events
WLCA Craft Faire: The West Laurel Community Association will hold a craft fair on Saturday, November 14, from 9 am to 2 pm at the T. Howard Duckett Building, 16601 Supplee Lane, Laurel, MD. Free admission, bring cash for raffles, children can write letters to Santa. Crafts to purchase, lunch food available. Indoor and outdoor markets. For more information, contact Cassandra Hostetler at ctseckares@comcast.net.
West Laurel Walking Club: Celebrate “Walktober” every Friday at 10:00. Meet at the River Front Park or Fairland Regional Park. Contact Nancy Whipple at njwhip54@verizon.net.
WLRC Fitness Class: The West Laurel Recreation Council is offering Senior Yoga and 55Plus Exercise at the West Laurel Community Building at 16601 Supplee Lane. The cost is $40 for an 8-week session. For information contact Nancy Whipple at njwhip54@verizon.net.
Annual West Laurel Holiday event: This popular yearly tradition will be held on December 11, from 7 to 9 pm, at the West Laurel Community Building. There will be holiday music, balloon twisting, crafts, and a visit from Santa. The event is free, but donations are welcome.
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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