Public meeting

This fall the city will begin working with Lardner/Klein Landscape Architects of Alexandria, Va., on the preparation of a park master plan for Allen Pond Park. The city has hired a consultant to evaluate current and future uses of the park. Several public meetings will be held to allow residents an opportunity to comment on amenities they believe are important to have within the park. Some areas to be addressed in the master plan preparation are: park ingress/egress, amphitheater replacement, rest room expansion, picnic site access and location, Opportunity Park playground replacement, bulkhead replacement, signage, pond access and the future of paddle boat rental operations at the park. No changes to the existing ball fields are anticipated.

A public meeting will be held Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. For information, contact Matt Reno, 301-809-3076 or mreno@cityofbowie.org.

Grants for seniors

The city has begun a Green Housing Rehabilitation Grant Program to assist seniors needing to make repairs to their primary Bowie residence. Repairs potentially eligible for grants include roofing, siding, insulation, widows, doors, lighting, Energy Star appliance upgrades, heating and cooling systems, and faucet, toilet, shower and water heater upgrades. For information, call 301-809-3072 or visit www.cityofbowie.org.

Water bills

City of Bowie water and sewer customers have the option of signing up for automatic debit payment of their water bill. They can also pay quarterly bills by credit or debit card from the city Web site. For information, call the Finance Department, 301-809-3016.

Helping neighbors

If you have always wanted to help but didn't know how to get involved, consider joining with fellow residents and signing up for the city's Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. This program is open to individuals 18 years of age and older and groups (Scouts, fraternal organizations, youth groups, etc.) that want to volunteer to help elderly or handicapped residents needing assistance with home maintenance or related items. It is not designed to help those who can afford to hire a contractor, but for those who, because of economic concerns, are unable to pay to have necessary work done, such as minor painting, yard debris removal, shrub trimming, etc. Each person who requests assistance is paired with a volunteer who has expressed a willingness and ability to address the concern brought forward. Applications are available on the city Web site, e-mail shein@cityofbowie.org or call 301-809-3014. If you are disabled or a senior citizen (65+) in need of assistance, contact Sally Hein for an application.