Community Corner
🌱 What led to a gun being flashed at Smallwood Village Center?
Make time for Free Showers for the Homeless – Waldorf West Library on the Waldorf Patch calendar

Coffee in hand, Waldorf? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- What led to a gun being flashed at Smallwood Village Center?
- Why a Waldorf school bus stop sparked a gun scare
- How could a Waldorf resident's proposal reshape data centers in Maryland?
Also on today's calendar: QueFest 2026 and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 88 and low of 70 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Friday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 84, low: 63.
- Saturday: Times of sun and clouds, with a high of 80 and low of 66 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Waiting In Line Turns Violent: Woman Accused Of Punching Waldorf Employee, Displaying Gun (thebaynet.com) — A customer in Waldorf's Smallwood Village Center allegedly punched a store employee after complaining about the checkout line, then returned moments later and displayed a handgun before leaving. Police quickly identified and arrested the suspect, recovered the weapon from her car, and charged her with assault and multiple weapons violations, underscoring ongoing safety concerns at local shopping areas.
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2. Gun Scare At Elementary School Bus Stop In Waldorf Turns Out To Be Water Gun (thebaynet.com) — An 8-year-old student at Diggs Elementary in Waldorf brought a realistic-looking water gun to the morning bus stop, prompting a report of a possible firearm and a quick response from school administrators. Officials confirmed there was no real gun or threat but are urging Waldorf parents to remind children not to bring toy weapons to bus stops or school and to always report suspicious items or behavior.
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3. Residents rally against data centers as Charles commissioners, state legislators hear proposals (somdnews.com) — Charles County officials just heard several proposals that could shape the future of large data centers statewide, including a ban suggested by a Waldorf resident. Local activists are pushing everything from regional moratoriums to a Maryland-wide ban, while commissioners and a local delegate weigh whether restrictions or temporary pauses make more sense. A key work session on which ideas advance is set for Sept. 29.
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4. Maryland transportation plan draft totals nearly $22 billion (somdnews.com) — Maryland's new six-year, nearly $22 billion transportation plan includes a key study of a high-capacity transit corridor between Branch Avenue Metro and the Waldorf–White Plains area, aimed at easing Route 5 and 301 congestion. Local leaders in Southern Maryland are also pushing for safety upgrades, new roundabouts, and major bridge and road projects that will shape how Waldorf commuters get around for years to come.
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📸 Around Waldorf
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Waldorf
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Free Showers for the Homeless – Waldorf West Library →
Charles County Public Library – Waldorf West, 0405 O'Donnell Pl, Waldorf
9:30 am
Friday September 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Lego Spike Essentials Robotics Club
Waldorf West Branch -
6:00 pm - QueFest 2026 →
MartinisLounge, 10553 Theodore Green Boulevard, Waldorf - BBQ Karaoke & Conversations →
70 Industrial Park Drive, Waldorf - SPC Rest & Rose' Picnic →
THE SPACE at LB Innovations Collective, 2901Festival Way, Waldorf - Reaction Band & ABM at Shark Bar →
Shark Bar And Seafood House, 2056 Crain Highway, Waldorf - Worship Service →
11245 Berry Road, Waldorf
11:15 am - Cars & Coffee Waldorf (St. Charles Towne Center) →
St. Charles Towne Center, 11110 Mall Cir, Waldorf
9:00 am - Pathfinders / Adventurers →
11245 Berry Road, Waldorf
9:00 am - iNgage X →
iNgage Community Church - The Park Location, 64 Industrial Park, Waldorf - Strength & Vitality: Senior Strength & Conditioning →
3317 Plaza Way, Waldorf
10:30 am - Waldorf: Strength & Vitality: Senior Strength & Conditioning →
3317 Plaza Way, Waldorf
10:30 am
Thursday September 17
Saturday September 19
Sunday September 20
Wednesday September 23
📣 Waldorf Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hi does anyone need anything fixed or help with anything.
Please let me know asap I am a 16 year old trying to get some cash. Also only if your in the Waldorf Hampshire area. Thank you. (Nextdoor Humpback - Hampshire) - Meet the artist, view new work, have a conversation, and enjoy community at the artist reception featuring works by Stuart McClean.
Events take place on October 17 and October 18 with refreshments. (Nextdoor Springhaven)
- Albertsons Company posted a job opening for In-Store Shopper in Waldorf. Apply here.
- Tailored Brands posted a job opening for Customer Service Representative Part Time in Waldorf. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waldorf here.
Ok Waldorf! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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