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Community Corner

🌱 County Sued $75M For Civil Rights Violations + Honoring Tubman

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)

Happy Tuesday, Laurel! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Rain; breezy in the afternoon. High: 63 Low: 61.

Here are the top three stories today in Laurel:

  1. Governor Larry Hogan recently announced that in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Harriet Tubman and the 5th anniversary of its opening, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center will host a series of free, family-friendly programs during the weekend of March 12 to 13. During this time, the park's expert staff, known as "Team Tubman," will host special programs to honor her life and legacy. (Maryland.gov)
  2. The family of a man who was paralyzed during a 2019 arrest is suing Prince George's County for $75 million, alleging systemic federal civil rights violations. Demonte Ward-Blake's family has retained the services of a Baltimore-based firm whose clients have included the families of Freddie Gray and Jordan McNair. According to attorney Malcolm Ruff, the arrest severed vertebrae in Ward-Blake's back. (WTOP)
  3. Bowie State University students have the opportunity to learn how to develop and operate a business from seasoned professionals. This is due to Bowie State University's Entrepreneurship Academy's new program. The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program will assist in identifying innovative and promising student startups and support the student businesses when they launch and as they grow. (Bowie State)

Today in Laurel:

  • Storytime Station: Black Heroes—Storytime Station returns to in-person programming with a morning of books, songs, and movement at Gaithersburg Community Museum. This month, visitors can meet some Black heroes and heroines. Participants will leave with activity sheets to do at home. This program is free and recommended for ages 3 to 6. (11:00 a.m.)
  • Virtual Botanical Drawing at ArtFarm in Annapolis—In this four-week virtual course, students will learn the basics of Botanical Drawing and how to sketch flowers and plants using colored pencils and pen. No previous drawing or art experience necessary! Using a small sketchbook as a journal, participants will learn to identify and classify floral photos provided by the instructor, then practice how to create a botanical style drawing in four easy steps. Part art, part science, all fun! (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
  • Self Love is the Best Love Webinar—Bernadette's House presents "Mirror Mirror on the wall, list three things you love about you?" Answer that question when you attend this event on Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. Bring your pen/crayons/markers + something to write on to gain tips on building your self love bucket list. Hosted by Cadedra Burks via online. (7:00 p.m.)
  • 4th Tuesdays Open Mic—A Busboys and Poetry in NW DC event hosted by Glo Shines who is a poet, emcee, host and supplier of vibes. Hip-Hopper since a toddler, Glo composed her first raps at the age of 4. Poetry and spoken word came many years later. As a performer she brings an intangible energy that engages and informs her audience. She was a featured at such national venues as Nicolas Bookstore in Brooklyn, Tuesday Verses in Richmond, VA and Wednesday Verses, Honfleur Gallery, Big Chief, Ivy City Smokehouse in Washington, DC, and the renowned Apache Café in Atlanta, GA. She has worked with charities including Parents against bullying, the Boys and Girls Club, and Teens with a Purpose. (7:00 p.m.)
  • Symphony in the City at New Shiloh Baptist Church—The BSO's Symphony in the City series is back! Symphony in the City brings the Orchestra out of the concert hall and into community locations across Baltimore City. Led by BSO Assistant Conductor Jonathan Rush, this program at New Shiloh Baptist Church recognizes Black History Month with a performance of works by Carlos Simon, Joseph Bologne and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. (7:00 p.m.)
  • Rooted Women's Bible Study at Grace Community Church in Fulton (7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.)
  • Book Writing & Publishing Masterclass: Passion2Published—Welcome to the Book Writing and Publishing Workshop by Susmita, Founding Partner and CEO of Global Book Publishing.
    It is a two-hour workshop, in which Susmita will teach attendees Perfect Book Writing and Publishing Strategy right from scratch, going into immense detail on why, what, and how to do specific little-known critical things in the book publishing process. In this workshop, Susmita is going to show you exactly how you too can become an author of a well-published book within no time. It is a proven system that's been worked on for over 15 years and thousands of people have already benefited from it from around the world. All you need to do is register your seat today for FREE. (7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)
  • That Golden Girls Show!—Get ready for an evening of cheesecake, laughter, jazzercise, shoulder pads, and the elegant art of the quick-witted put down. From Sophia's get-rich-quick schemes, to Rose's tales from St. Olaf, Blanche's insatiable hunt for men and the Fountain of Youth, and Dorothy's daily struggle to make sense of her life, That Golden Girls Show! parodies classic Golden Girls moments—with puppets! (8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
  • Broken Mic Comedy Presents Talk To Me Tuesdays—Join Broken Mic Comedy every Tuesday night on the 2nd floor of Shenanigans Irish Pub in Adams Morgan DC for their Talk To Me open mic show. Featuring comedians from all over the DMV area. Doors will open 30 minutes before show time. There is no cover. Must be 21 to enter. Seating is limited. For more show info, email: BrokenMicComedy@gmail.com (8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Wellington North: I need recommendation for kitchen renovation. Asking for a friend. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Bowling Brook Farms: Any recommendations for a great seafood restaurant? My husband's birthday is coming up and he's requesting seafood. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Hammond Village: *Free bamboo* There is a large pile of bamboo at 10735 East Crestview Lane. It's great for garden stakes! Located next to the curb. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, High Ridge: Saint Patrick's Day and Easter are around the corner! My son is into making crafts and for his home school art projects. We are making goody bags! (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Cherry Branch: Do you have student loans and don't know what to do about them? Here's a solution that gives you options and help you through the process: https://tinyurl.com/Studentloa... (Nextdoor)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. See you all tomorrow for 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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