North Laurel Fair Doubles in Second Year

Howard County hosted its second annual North Laurel Fair Saturday. The county hopes residents in the North Laurel area become more aware of the resources available to them, from healthcare to civic issues. 

Event director Quinton Askew said last year's fair was so successful that the number of vendors this year doubled. “We have vendors like Howard County Police, BGE, Meals on Wheels and many more. We look forward to helping even more residents this year," Askew said.

One resident, Kadija Kamara, came down specifically to speak with county representatives about job placement opportunities. “I've been unemployed for a while and when a friend told me about the fair I came to speak to vendors offering job placement opportunities. I'm hoping to find work soon," Kamara said.

While there, not only did she meet employment agency representatives, she got to learn more about other organizations and services they offer that may not be so apparent.

Vendors like the Domestic Violence Center let residents know they offer much more than what one might assume. DVC representative Susan Badra spoke about the many services that are offered. 

“We don't just do domestic violence,” she said. “We want residents to know that we offer services for victims of sexual assault, child abuse and even stalking."

She also highlighted new programs the center is starting specifically for teens experiencing dating violence and a behavioral modification program for men with anger issues. 

Badra also noted the DVC legal department, which helps residents get protective and peace orders, should they need them.

Another vendor, Chase Brexton Health Services, offered free health screenings for residents. Physician's assistant Debbie Dunn and program development associate Sierra Hairie spoke at length about the many services their company offers. 

While doing a screening, Dunn took a slightly high blood pressure reading for a man. During this screening she discovered that he did not have access to medical care.

“What we really want him to do is to contact one of our counselors at our office,” she said. “We have access to a million dollars' worth of free medical care and we don't want his health to be needlessly neglected.” 

“Yes,” Hairie added. “Though our company started out screening and treating gay men with HIV, we've expanded to include any group that may be neglected.” She explained their goal is to make every patient comfortable so they are willing to talk about every health concern. 

The fair also hosted vendors such as the North Laurel Civic Association, Success In Style, WIC and HeadStart as well as fun activities like face painting, a moon bounce and tae kwon do demonstration.