Community Corner
🌱Gov. Hogan Vows To Reject Any Unfair Maps + Beltway Closures
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Laurel.

Happy Saturday, Laurel! Here's everything happening in town today.
First, today's weather:
Sunshine and some clouds. High: 54 Low: 28.
Here are the top four stories today in Laurel:
- A partisan battle over redrawing the state's congressional maps will be front and center when Maryland lawmakers gather for a special legislative session on Monday. Democrats are ahead of the game, with large enough majorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. This could brush aside Republican complaints and override a veto threatened by Governor Larry Hogan, who said he would reject any "unfair" map. (Baltimore Sun)
- Laurel residents who may plan on traveling via the Beltway in Virginia this weekend, may need to check the news and update their travel plans. A big weekend closure is planned for the southbound Beltway in Virginia with lots of full stops overnight on I-66. Therefore, the I-295/DC-295 Corridor Project continues with closures through the weekend. In Prince George's County, there is now an off-peak construction project on MD-223 Woodyard Road between Sherwood Drive and Victoria Drive with lane closures expected daily and Saturdays through next year. Be alerted of the utility relocations with lanes restricted along Riverdale Road between 58th Street and Veterans Parkway. (WTOP)
- Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market was shut down about a week ago by the Prince George's County Health Department due to employees and customers not complying with the county's indoor mask mandate. According to a representative, the market will be temporarily closed until further notice. (FOX 5 DC)
- Marylanders and their families are invited to join Governor Larry Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan for the return of the Holiday Open House on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Government House in Annapolis. The event is free of charge, open to the public, and no reservations are required. Face masks will be required to enter. The. First Family asks that guests consider bringing unwrapped toys, which will be donated to those in need during this holiday season. (Maryland.gov)
Today in Laurel:
- CMIT HS Open House — This event will have a 9th Grade Focus. (9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.)
- Visit the Dinosaur Park! (12:00 p.m.)
- Public Food Distribution — Join Prayer Tower Bible Way Apostolic Faith in serving the community by giving away fruits and vegetables, bread, meats, and dairy products that are donated for distribution to the needy. Boxes and bags filled with groceries to grab and go. Volunteers are welcomed to call (240) 583-0996 to get involved. (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
- Gentle Yoga for Terrible Times — Human beings are not meant to be in constant fight, flight, or freeze mode. Chronic stress takes a devastating toll on our mental and physical well-being. If you are exhausted, stressed out, burnt out, or just looking to relax and nourish your mind, body, and spirit, please join me for 75 minutes of gentle yoga. (9:00 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.)
- Knee Pain Corrective Exercise Workshop — This is an interactive workshop where you will perform the exercises while sitting at your computer. Explore non-invasive methods to reduce arthritis discomforted, climb stairs, take walks and go dancing without pain! Avoid surgery, cortisone and drugs. The program "Knee Pain Recipe" was created by a personal trainer who had been in pain for over 15 years. It's a six-step system designed to reduce knee pain. (11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Laurel Patch Notebook
- City of Laurel - Government: Prince George's County officials have extended the mask mandate until 5:00 p.m. on Jan. 23, 2022 due to concern about the new Omicron Coronavirus variant. At least two cases have now been reported in the United States. County residents over the age of 2 must continue to wear a mask in indoor, public spaces into the new year, with very few exceptions. (Facebook)
- City of Laurel - Government: City of Laurel Chief Health Officer Dr. Uzo Unegbu was on hand for a booster shot clinic for City of Laurel employees. He also wants you to know that his office is doing free COVID-19 testing from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. (Facebook)
- Prince George's County Police: Yesterday, @easternmotors and @7newsdc surprised our @pgcpal with a huge donation of socks to kick off our annual sock drive for the homeless. We know these donated socks and more will have a true impact in our community! (Instagram)
- Vendor Wanted for December small business Pop-Up Shop in a store boutique in Laurel: Clothing, Cosmetics, Natural Products, Home décor, Beauty, Accessories, Gifts, Fashion, Décor, Aromatherapy, Food, Beverage, Wellness, Infused Treats and Craft vendor opportunities available. Vendors must send applications to: ellabranding20012@gmail.com (Eventbrite)
From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!
Featured businesses:
- 3 Gear Games / 3 Gear Studios — 3 Gear Games Your Friendly Local Game Shop (Visit website)
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Events:
- [Webinar] Is Solar Right For Me? (December 4)
- One more, CRAFTS GALORE! Saturday 12/4/21 from 9AM-2PM (December 4)
- [Webinar] Roof Replacement 101: Everything You Need to Know (December 4)
- 14,000+SF Potomac Manor Online Auction, Real Estate & Furniture (December 5)
- Add your event
Gigs & services:
- A Handyman with a Minivan.... (Details)
- Add your gig or service
Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors along for the ride. You can send them this link to subscribe.
— 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.
Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Laurel Daily? You can email me at alexiswritesforpatch@gmail.com.