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Community Corner

🌱 Gov. Hogan's New Congressional Map + 'Run the Light' At The Hideout

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

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
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(Patch)

Happy Friday, Laurel! Here's what's happening in Laurel today.

First, today's weather:

Clouds and sun with a shower. High: 59 Low: 40.

Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:

  1. Maryland traffic on the Inner Loop of the Capital Beltway was backed up for more than 18 hours following heavy rain late Tuesday night and flooding that continued through most of Wednesday. Shortly before midnight, a tractor-trailer jackknifed in high standing water on the Inner Loop before River Road (Exit 39). Authorities blocked all lanes for a short time early Wednesday morning. (WTOP)
  2. Climate change can be costly for local governments faced with paying for the damage. Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said that next year's budget in the county includes nearly $150 million in spending to "protect our communities from climate change and reduce the impacts of flooding." (WUSA9.com)
  3. Governor Larry Hogan enacted a new congressional map on April 4 for the state of Maryland after the defendants agreed to withdraw their efforts to maintain the gerrymandered map that was struck down by the courts. Gov. Hogan said, "The Speaker, the Senate President, and I just signed into law the new congressional maps, which were ordered to be redrawn by the court. This is something that we've been focused on for eight years. It's a tremendous victory for democracy and for free and fair elections in Maryland." (Maryland.gov)

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Today in Laurel:

  • Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market—Open on 9701 Fort Meade Road (8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
  • Frozen on Ice: A figure skating show for all ages!—The Gardens Figure Skating Club presents its annual spring ice show, Frozen on Ice with two shows Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. 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. This event will take place at the Gardens Ice House Patrick Arena in Laurel. (1:00 p.m.)
  • Parents Night Out: Rango—Every parent needs a break! Send your children to The Thrifty Teacher in Laurel for a night filled with painting, pizza, pajamas, and the movie Rango! Single tickets cost $40. Discounted family member add-on tickets are available for $10 for each additional artist registering at the same time. (5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
  • Mediterranean Savory Baking Class hosted by Guest Chef Alba Johnson at Whole Foods Market in Annapolis—Alba is a cooking instructor and personal chef specializing in southern Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Her recipes are rustic, simple and vibrant in taste. Join Chef Alba as we prepare these delicious savory classics. Pissaladière, a traditional pizza dough recipe originally from Nice France topped with caramelized onions and black olives. Spanakopita a rich pie stuffed with spinach, onions, feta enfolded in a flaky phyllo dough. Erbazzone (herbaceous), an Italian savory flat thin pie stuffed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Menu: Pissaladière, Mini Spanakopita, and Erbazzone, served with a seasonal salad. Cost: $65 per person. (6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
  • Lip Sync Battle at the St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel—Our annual Lip Sync Battle is on tonight (April 8) at 7:00 p.m.! This event costs $5 per person. Concessions will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Pallotti Instrumental Music program. (7:00 p.m.)
  • FriYAY Comedy Open Mic—Attend this FREE show for laughs and exotic drinks in NW D.C.! A diverse line-up of the city's funniest people awaits you as the area's best stand-up comedians and newer ones bring you laughter at Upper West Side. Enjoy lovely cocktails in a chilled out setting with a sporty vibe. Laughter is medicine, and we all need it. FriYAY Mic! Comic sign up in advance at IG @Somearabwoman. (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
  • Run the Light at The Hideout—The most feared comedy competition in the DMV is back at the Hideout in Laurel! The crowd will choose the winner. Here's how it works: 10 comedians will take the stage to perform a 10-minute stand up routine. At the five minute mark, the audience will have the chance to "give the light" to anybody how doesn't have the funny. The comedians that make it through a full set will be voted on by the audience for the $100 cash prize! (7:30 p.m.)
  • Sol Roots Band at Montpelier Arts Center (Funk, Jazz, Blues, Soul)—The Montpelier Mansion and Arts Center in Laurel presents the Sol Roots Band, performing a night of raw funk, deep blues and soul, upbeat jazz, heartfelt R&B, and hypnotic rhythms. Sol Roots is a fierce guitarist and soulful vocalist who has toured with many musical legends around the world. The Sol Roots band is known for creating a blend of energetic rock, raw funk, greasy soul, deep blues, and hypnotic rhythms. The Sol Roots band has shared the stage with acts such as Jon Cleary, Cory Henry, The Wood Brothers, Eric Lindell, New Orleans Suspects, Victor Wainwright, Shemekia Copeland, Roosevelt Collier, Sonny Landreth and more. Paying homage to the greats, and with a love of Universal Music as the guiding light, Sol brings together a powerful and unique group of talented musicians. (8:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • City of Laurel - Government: Arrests made in the armed carjackings in Laurel. Great job, Laurel Police! (Facebook)
  • Laurel Police Department: Casting with Cops is back! Save the date now! Grab your fishing license and trout stamp in advance! Mark your calendars for May 15. (Facebook)
  • 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: Ready to help spruce up Laurel during Earth Month? Here are two opportunities set for April 23. High School kids who need service hours are welcome to participate. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) stated that leaving the water running while brushing your teeth wastes an average of four gallons each time! (Facebook)
  • Hammond Elem PTA: Treat yourself to some goodies today and support the HES PTA. Visit Nothing Bundt Cakes on Little Patuxent Parkway today and 20% of your cake purchase will be donated to HES PTA. (Facebook)
  • Communications and Community Relations Office Luis Maya, WSSC Water: State of Maryland launches Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). WSSC Water customers: Are you or someone you know struggling to pay the water bill? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: Anyone know someone who will trim dog nails for a reasonable price? We get our two doodles groomed every 2-3 months, but their nails need trimming between grooming appointments. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Patuxent Greens: I need a dog sitter for April 8 through April 17! He's an older dog who doesn't need much, just to be taken out once or twice a day for a few minutes to relieve himself. (Nextdoor)
  • Associate Commissioner, Consumer Education & Advocacy Joy Hatchette, Maryland Insurance Administration: Flooding in Maryland is more common than you think! (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Laurel Bowie: Can someone explain to me why is it so hard to get a good paying job? Everything is going up in prices but the pays is not increasing. (Nextdoor)
  • Major Jason Fisher, Prince George's County Police Department: DEA National Drug Take Back Initiative will happen on April 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be a drop box located at Beltsville Division VI Police Station 4321 Sellman Road in Beltsville. (Nextdoor)
  • Associate Commissioner, Consumer Education & Advocacy Joy Hatchette, Maryland Insurance Administration: What to do if you are facing eviction or foreclosure. (Nextdoor)
  • Officer M. Fraser, Prince George's County Police Department: Do you have any expired medications? Any prescription drugs that you might want to safely dispose of? (Nextdoor)
  • 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. (Nextdoor)
  • Dave Mann, Neighbor: I have been hoping to see additional posts about Rodney Stotts, the Laurel falconer. Is he still doing his workshops? (Patch)

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That's it for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with 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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