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Community Corner

🌱 Booster Plan Offers $2M To Marylanders + SweetFrog Kids Crafts

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Laurel.

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Good morning, people of Laurel! It's me again, Alexis Goring, your host of the Laurel Daily.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and not as cool. High: 53 Low: 34.

Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:

  1. Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Doug Gansler chose former Hyattsville mayor as running mate in his bid for Maryland governor. Hyattsville mayor Candace Bacchus Hollingsworth was elected in 2015 as the youngest and first Black mayor of Hyattsville. She stepped down in December 2020 to develop Our Black Party, a national organization she co-founded to build the relationship between the Black community and the political system. Hollingsworth said she is "excited and happy" that Gansler not only embraced her, who she is, and her experience, but he has also embraced the issues she cares about. She believes that they can bring their "best" and "most authentic selves to this campaign and the work that's ahead."(The Washington Post)
  2. Prince George's County police rushed to the scene of a fatal collision on Indian Head Highway Sunday night. Officers said they responded to the accident at around 6:10 p.m. in the 5100 block of Indian Head Highway in Maryland. They found the woman trapped underneath a car. She was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. (WTOP)
  3. Governor Larry Hogan recently announced a new booster action plan to get more Marylanders fully protected from COVID-19 and its variants. The plan includes a $2 million VaxCash 2.0 Promotion, which will award $2 million in cash prizes to a total of 12 Maryland residents who have received their booster shot. The promotion kicks off Tuesday, Feb. 15, with a special initial drawing of $500,000. (Maryland.gov)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Laurel:

  • Watch Party - Virtual Storytime Event: The Ms. V Experience—The Crofton Library is hosting Vanessa Brantley-Newton, award winning children's author and illustrator of Becoming Vanessa, Just Like Me, and Grandma's Purse on the big screen. Ms. V will visit virtually for a special storytime in celebration of Black History Month. She will read from one of her books, share what it's like to be a writer and illustrator, and teach children how to create a collage of their own. Art supplies will be provided by the library. (10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)
  • "How Black History Inspires Me"— February is Black History Month. Share the ways you feel informed, encouraged, and inspired by Black history with your own artwork! Young people ages 5-19 are invited to enter the "How Black History Inspires Me" Art Contest. Winners will be selected from the following ages groups: teens (13-19), school-age children (9-12), and young children (5-8). Winning artworks will be displayed in the library. All entries are due by Feb. 25 by 5 p.m. Drop off the artwork to the Petworth Neighborhood Library and attach a label with the student's name, age, school, and contact information. (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
  • Free Kids Craft Making a Sweetheart Puppet at sweetFrog Laurel — Hop in with the kids on Feb. 9 to make a free Sweetheart Puppet and celebrate Valentine's Day! (12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
  • Swahili Live Wednesdays | AfroHouse & AfroBeats: After Work Social — The after work social takes place at Swahili Village - The Consulate DC. Enjoy amazing food, VIP Bottle Packages and Great Music Vibes. Celebrate life! Must be 21+ to attend. IDs required. (5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)
  • Loss of Life Partner/Spouse Monthly Morning Group (Virtual)— This group in Pasadena is for individuals grieving the death of a spouse or life partner. It will meet on the John & Cathy Belcher Campus from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month until March 9. Face masks must be worn at all times. Childcare is not provided, and children are not permitted in any of these groups. Registration is required for all groups and can be completed by calling 888-501-7077 or emailing griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org. (6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • City of Laurel - Government: Charleys Philly Steaks at the Boulevard Shops, located on 14619 Baltimore Avenue in Laurel, is now open! (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: As we continue to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, take a moment to learn more about local history like the Grove, located by Emancipation Park. More information can be found at www.laurelhistoricalsociety.org. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: If you weren't able to join in for our Virtual Black History Month Program, honoring Laurel's African Americans Elected Officials on Sunday, you can still watch on Laurel TV's YouTube channel. (Facebook)
  • Laurel Jobs: See Who's Hiring In The Area (Laurel Patch)
  • City of Laurel - Government: Do you have a budding young artist in the family? Let them know about the Healthcare Heroes Poster Competition! (Facebook)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, North Laurel Road: Had fun detailing this beautiful mustang! Book through the link below or call 202-553-6845 if you have any questions! (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Cherry Tree: Has anyone recently found soft cream cheese in a grocery store? I need soft, not whipped, or regular. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: Any recommendations for a mobile nail salon service? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Emerson: I'm looking to get my car inspected for MD registration purposes and hoping to find a reliable place around Laurel. Recommendations/referrals would be greatly appreciated! (Nextdoor)


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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right. I'll see you soon!

— Alexis Goring

About me: My name is Alexis A. Goring. I'm a Bowie area resident with a pulse for people, news and feature stories! I've worked as a freelance writer/editor/proofreader in the media industry for 15 years. I'm also a published author, experienced blogger, and founder of Writer at Heart Editorial Services. Visit my website for more details about me and my work. Here's the link: https://alexisagoring.jimdofree.com.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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