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Community Corner

🌱 Former Laurel Police Officer 'Joani' Died + B/W Pkwy Shut Down

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)

Hello, neighbors! It's me again, Alexis Goring, your host of the Laurel Daily.

First, today's weather:

Mild with clouds and sun. High: 59 Low: 32.

Here are the top four stories in Laurel today:

  1. According to Laurel Patch reporter Kristin Danley-Greiner, former Laurel police officer Joan D. "Joani" Kramer has passed away. Kramer began her law enforcement career by performing undercover narcotic work for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office in Florida. After returning to Maryland, Kramer worked at the Hecht Company store in Laurel as a store detective then joined the University of Maryland Police Department in College Park in 1972. She was hired by the Laurel Police Department in 1974. (Laurel Patch)
  2. A fatal crash shut down northbound lanes of the Baltimore-Washington Parkway in Prince George's County Friday morning. One man was pronounced dead on the scene. Another man with life-threatening injuries was taken to a hospital by helicopter. Multiple vehicles crashed on the northbound lanes just south of Powder Mill Road. (NBC4 Washington)
  3. Maryland-bred Knicks Go was named Horse of the Year Thursday night at horse racing's Eclipse Awards. It's one of the highest honors in the sport. Knicks Go's jockey, Joel Rosario, took home Outstanding Jockey, and his trainer Brad Cox won the Outstanding Trainer award. Elsewhere in Maryland, teenager Charlie Marquez was a finalist among apprentice jockeys after winning 50 races from 290 mounts, primarily at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course. (CBS Baltimore)
  4. Prince George's County school board member Raaheela Ahmed will resign on Feb. 19 and run for the Maryland Senate. Over the years, she became known for advocating mental health services for students versus police in schools, free early childhood education and ending the school-to-prison pipeline. Currently, she is seeking voter approval for the June 28 primary election to represent the 23rd Legislative District that includes most of Bowie, portions of Laurel and Upper Marlboro. (The Washington Informer)

Today in Laurel:

  • Baltimore Royal Princess Ball — Kids are invited to a special Royal Princess Ball where they can meet many of their favorite princesses. There will be performances, dancing, stories, sing-alongs, games, and more. All children must be accompanied by an adult with a ticket. This event will take place at the Sheraton Baltimore Washington Airport Hotel. (9:00 a.m.)
  • Ladies Small Group — There will be a discussion-style Bible study on the book of Jonah. Enjoy fellowship time, snacks and prayer time. This event will be hosted by Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church, PCA in Laurel. Contact Gena Persons for more information. (9:00 a.m to 11:00 a.m.)
  • We Make Black History: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow — In celebration of Black History Month, Montpelier House Museum, in partnership with the Uhuru Quilters Guild, presents "We Are Black History-Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." This free exhibit will feature dynamic designs by skilled quilters on various themes of Black history. (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • Lunar New Year Open House with Thermomix—Thermomix invites you to celebrate with our family of food enthusiasts as we share how cooking for the Chinese New Year is made simple and seamless with the Thermomix TM6. The world's smartest kitchen appliance, the TM6, is the kitchen assistant you never knew you needed! Our Lunar New Year open house celebration will showcase several Chinese recipes from our integrated recipe platform for you to sample, as well as give you a hands-on opportunity to make something special to take home. This event will take place on Washington Boulevard in Laurel. If you have questions, please send an email message to jacqueline.hogarth@thermomix.us. (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
  • Jesse Royal LIVE in the DMV | Reggae Capitol—Internationally acclaimed, Grammy nominated Reggae singer and songwriter Jesse Royal will be live in the DMV tonight at Kaldi's Social House! Bringing back roots and culture in a new way. (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
  • Love Songs with Miss Frenchie Davis — See 'Love Songs with Miss Frenchie Davis' and its upcoming performance at City Winery Washington DC! (7:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Cardinal Forest: The Retired Officers' Wives' Club of Ft. Meade will return to Club Meade for our March 1 luncheon! Our speaker/entertainer will be Mary Ann Jung, a talented actress who portrays historical women. (Nextdoor)
  • Public Information, Bowie Police Department: Wanted for Armed Robbery: Health Center Drive. The pictured vehicle was used in an armed robbery incident on Feb. 8 in the 14900 Block of Health Center Drive. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Bowling Brook Farms: I'm looking for a science and math teacher. Could someone please recommend one? My child is in 9th grade. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Russett: Lost husky. If found, please, please message me. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier Woods: I greatly appreciate those who have already supported my daughter's home-based business. Order your Valentine's Day treats! (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Bowling Brook Farms: I'm looking for one room to rent. Please PM me with any leads. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Maryland City West: Any recommendations for roof leak repairs? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, North Laurel Road: Could someone recommend a car shop that will put a clear coat on a car that is not too expensive? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Laurel Lakes: Do anyone know someone that will pick up trash someone with pickup truck that does this service in Laurel? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Villages at Wellington: Has anyone lost a dog? We had one walk into our house and make itself at home. If you've lost one, please message me with the details and I'll let you know if we have yours. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Briarwood Place: Anyone goes to LA FITNESS? Would love a gym partner! (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Russett, Neighborhood 12A: I'm looking for a roommate for a condo at Apple Walk in Laurel. $900/person and utilities. Lease will start April. Clean, professional preferred. Let me know if interested! (Nextdoor)

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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow for your next 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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