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Community Corner

🌱 Cherry Blossom Festival Parade + Local Cancer Center Groundbreaking

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! Alexis Goring here with a brand-new issue of the Laurel Daily.

First, today's weather:

Clouds and sun with a shower. High: 55 Low: 36.

Here are the top three stories today in Laurel:

  1. Prince George's County leaders and patients recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new cancer center at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo that will be the first of its kind in the county, bringing access to quality cancer treatment closer to home. When the treatment center opens, residents of this county will have a place near home to go to for treatment instead of traveling into another county for medical care. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan who is a cancer survivor, joined Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for the groundbreaking of the new cancer center. (NBC4 Washington)
  2. Capitol Kettle Corn is moving into a 1,750-square-foot space in the Hollywood Shopping Center, which also includes Mom's Organic Market, according to commercial real estate services company KLNB. The company's name can already be seen along an interior wall, along with designated spaces for lemonade and ice cream sales. (The Hyattsville Wire)
  3. Bowie State University (BSU) and The Maryland Center at BSU recently announced the establishment of a new innovation center that will execute research and develop projects centered in countering misinformation and disinformation. The Bowie State University Influence Operations National Innovation Center (BIONIC) was created to leverage artificial intelligence research, public information and human behavioral sciences to thwart detrimental misinformation campaigns. BSU will take the lead in the initiative. (Afro American)

Today in Laurel:

  • Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market—Open on 9701 Fort Meade Road (8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C.—One of D.C.'s largest spectator events, the energy-filled National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade presented by Events DC, runs for 10 blocks along iconic Constitution Avenue. Giant colorful helium balloons, elaborate floats, marching bands from across the country, celebrity entertainers, and performers burst down the Parade route in a grand spectacle of music and showmanship seen only once a year during the Festival. (8:45 a.m.)
  • First Baptist Church of Savage hosts the 2022 Resurrection Egg Run (10:30 a.m.)—Join the First Baptist Church of Savage for our 2022 Resurrection Egg Run! There will be food, fun, and the Gospel will be shared! This event is open to all ages. However, the egg run portion is only for ages 3 to Grade 5! This will be an in person outreach event. Please contact our church office with any questions! We look forward so seeing you, your family, and friends. (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
  • Food Distribution Event at Iglesia de Dios Restaurando al Caido in Laurel—We will be giving out fruits and vegetables as well as information about other programs to benefit the community. Everything is cost-free! (12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
  • Free Unicorn Craft at sweetFrog Laurel—Hop in with the little froggers for a free coloring unicorn craft to celebrate National Unicorn Day! Top off a yogurt with pretty unicorn sprinkles. It's magical fun! (12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
  • Frozen on Ice!—The Gardens Figure Skating Club presents its annual spring ice show, Frozen on Ice today at the Gardens Ice House Patrick Arena in Laurel. Frozen on Ice is a figure skating show based on "Frozen: The Broadway Musical." Tickets will be on sale at the door for $23 for general admission along with a limited number of special reserved seats available for $33. General admission and reserved seating tickets are available online. Children under 3 are admitted for free. ( 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.)
  • Spring Festival at Edmonston Veterans Park in Hyattsville—Operation ARTS Foundation and The Town of Edmonston present "Spring Festival!" This is a FREE two-part event today. The first part of this event will be to celebrate our public art installation "Art (M.A.G.N.E.T.)" our free little art gallery. We will kick off the event with a tiny art-making workshop and live documentary filming where people can share their stories about their artwork. For the art-making workshop, there will be a suggested donation of $5 to cover supplies for two pieces of art. There will also be local craft vendors and all ages are welcome! The second part of this event is a caravan that will travel throughout the town of Edmonston featuring music, gifts, and fun! The final stop will be at Edmonston Veterans Park. Enjoy a fun-filled day and celebrate this good weather with us! (2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • PGCPS: *Deadline Extended* Submit a short video or photo sharing your post-graduation plans – whether heading to college or into a career or military! Videos should be 15 to 25 seconds. Submit to communications@pgcps.org (Instagram)
  • City of Laurel - Government: Mayor Craig Moe started a similar program in Laurel during the height of the pandemic called "Chat with a Senior Citizen" and it was very successful. Take advantage of this opportunity to make a connection. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: The Department of Public Works Spring Electronics Recycling Event is set for April 16 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It includes paper shredding, GreenDrop and Styrofoam recycling too. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: Here's information about free Iftar dinner meal distributions from April 9 to April 30 at the Islamic Community Center of Laurel. (Facebook)
  • Laurel Parks & Recreation: Don't miss out on our EGGSTRAVAGANZA event down at Granville Gude Park. This is a fun, free, and EGG-citing event for parents and kids! Don't forget your baskets when you attend this event today (April 9) that starts at 1:00 p.m. sharp! (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: Congratulations to all of the dedicated officers of the Laurel Police Department who were recognized for their exemplary work! (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: Enter the National Mayor's Water Challenge at mywaterpledge.com to win $3,000 toward your annual utility bills, water saving fixtures, and other prizes through April 30. All you have to do is let us know how you will be saving water and energy during Earth Month. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: We're passing this along for all the history buffs in Laurel and there are many of you out there. Enjoy! (Facebook)
  • Officer M. Fraser, Prince George's County Police Department: Citizen Police Academy! Seats are still available! The Prince George's County Police Department is hosting a 8-week citizen academy in Spanish! The program starts on April 19 to June 14 at 6:00 p.m. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Old Town Laurel: Does any one know where I can find someone to professionally de-flea and de-tick a home? (Nextdoor)
  • Economic Development Corporation - Communications Specialist Jordyn Tillman, Prince George's County Government: *Marketing, Branding, & Sales for Small Businesses* This FREE program will highlight the importance of branding, marketing, public relations, and social media/e-commerce as pathways to business growth and expansion. (Nextdoor)
  • Associate Commissioner, Consumer Education & Advocacy Joy Hatchette, Maryland Insurance Administration: Attend this event so you can know what to do if you are facing eviction or foreclosure. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Cherry Branch: Is there anyone in the Laurel area who loves walking and hiking like me? As the weather starts to change, I was wondering if anyone has an interest for walking/hiking. If so, please let me know. I would love to meet up with you! (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Haines Ridge: Does anyone know how to repair cracks in windows? Repair shops are out of my budget right now. (Nextdoor)
  • Maryland Office of People's Counsel, Director of Consumer Services, Brandi Nieland, State of Maryland: Want to receive our newsletter? Whether you're a residential consumer or an area organization, we have a newsletter geared to you. (Nextdoor)
  • Associate Commissioner, Consumer Education & Advocacy Joy Hatchette, Maryland Insurance Administration: *Water/Sewer Backup Coverage* What does it mean? Watch this video for the definition. #WordOfTheDay (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: My neighbors on Eastbourne Lane are reporting a series of break in attempts last night. One neighbor has video of someone trying to break into their cars in driveway. Another reported someone opened their storage box. (Nextdoor)
  • Public Information, Bowie Police Department: Chief John Nesky with the Bowie Police Department is back with another Chief Chat! Tune in for information on our upcoming Citizens' Police Academy along with info about speed limit reductions on Route 197. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Victoria Falls: Join us on April 16 for the Spring Bonsai Auction at 10722 B Hanna Street in Beltsville (near the old Behnkes Nurseries). The doors will open at 8:30 a.m. and the viewing of items will begin at 9:00 a.m. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Kings Woods: Let me know if you need to paint your house! Call me at this number: 240-481-7985 (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Old Town Laurel: Does anyone know where I can book a couple's massage and facials? Preferably in the same place but willing to go to two different places. Massage Envy is out of the question. Thanks in advance! (Nextdoor)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update.

— 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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