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Community Corner

🌱 Hospitals Suffering Due To COVID + $4.6 Billion Tax Relief

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 Thursday, people of Laurel! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Laurel today.

First, today's weather:

Periods of sun. High: 47 Low: 31.

Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:

  1. Hospital systems across the country are suffering from heavy loads of stress due to the ongoing increase of COVID-19 hospitalizations. In response, some facilities are now considering scaling back elective surgeries to temper demand. State health officials in Maryland reported to the federal government Jan. 11 that approximately 86 percent of inpatient beds and 79 percent of intensive care unit beds in hospitals across the state were occupied. Around 37 percent of inpatient beds and 44 percent of ICU beds statewide were filled by COVID-19 patients. Read the full story for detailed data about the latest hospital capacity in the Laurel area. (Laurel Patch)
  2. Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy, wants a new law against ghost guns, which are untraceable firearms often bought online. Braveboy said a bill will be introduced in the General Assembly that would require the weapons to bear serial numbers so that they can be traced when used in crimes. This would help law enforcement. (WTOP)
  3. Governor Larry Hogan recently announced the largest tax relief package in state history to deliver more than $4.6 billion in relief for hardworking Maryland families, small businesses, and retirees. He said that "continued economic recovery" is important. Last fall, Gov. Hogan announced a five-point framework for the record budget surplus, including increasing the Rainy Day Fund, major tax relief for retirees, direct tax relief for Marylanders, additional relief for underserved Marylanders, and enhancements for state employees. (Maryland.gov)

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Today in Laurel:

  • Half Pint Kids Club: Build a Banana—This event is perfect for children who are ages 3-5. Travel to Whole Foods Market in Annapolis to participate in a fun-filled culinary or craft workshop every Tuesday, followed by a store tour and samples. In this class kids will learn how to make a fun craft or a delicious snack using all-natural ingredients. Cost: $5. Registration fees may apply. (1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.)
  • Soca Bounce Fitness Class—Soca Bounce is a 45 minute high-intensity, low impact cardio burn session utilizing Kangoo Jumps boots (boot rental included in class fee). In-studio and/or outdoor fitness classes are all choreographed to the ever growing genre of Soca and other Caribbean genres. The rebound boots are designed to absorb up to 80 percent of the pressure (impact) off your joints (hips, knees and back) while improving balance, core strength, and promoting an increase in metabolism and endurance. Current class schedule Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. in Upper Marlboro and Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. in Bowie. To register, after payment text Okeemah your name, shoe size AND weight to 301-357-5388. (6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
  • Red Cross FA/CPR/AED Class (Blended Format) at Westchester Community Center—This course will prepare you to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing, and cardiac emergencies involving adults and pediatrics, and meets OSHA/workplace requirements. The online portion of this blended course features award-winning simulation learning – an interactive experience where you will respond to real-world emergencies in a virtual setting – which will prepare you for the instructor-led classroom skill session. The online portion must be completed prior to attending the in-class portion and must be taken on a Flash-enabled PC with a high speed Internet connection. (6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
  • Sinatra and Friends—Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra were two undisputed masters of "The Great American Songbook." Capathia Jenkins and Tony DeSare bring them back to the stage for performances with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy listening to standard classics from these two legendary singers. For information on the latest guidelines concerning mask and vaccination requirements, please visit BSOmusic.org/ResponsibleReturn. For more information, visit www.BSOmusic.org or contact PatronSupport@BSOmusic.org or by phone at 410-783-8000 or toll free 1-877-276-1444. (8:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • City of Laurel - Government: Maryland's new COVID-19 testing site at UM Laurel Medical Center is open on 7300 Van Dusen Road in Laurel. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: Save the date for this important drive-thru pantry by the Knights of Columbus. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: Need the COVID-19 vaccine or booster? The City of Laurel's Chief Health Officer, Dr. Unegbu, encourages you to schedule an appointment at the Laurel Medical and Mini Mart, located at 14402 Baltimore Avenue, in Laurel. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: *DEDICATION* With 26 years of service to the Laurel Community, Elizabeth House, FISH of Laurel, Inc., was pleased to recognize Team Leaders, Anthony and Dorothy D'Antoni for their dedication, kindness and commitment to FISH's mission! Mayor Craig A. Moe, Council President Brencis Smith, Council member Carl DeWalt and Stephanie Hammond from FISH awarded Mayoral Citations to the couple for their years of service to helping those in need. (Facebook)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: Does anyone have a Girl Scout in the family who's selling cookies? I'm sure we'd all love to order a bunch of cookies from local troops! (Nextdoor)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow 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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