This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱 Laurel Advocacy Hires New ED + Exhibit Celebrates Black Locals

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

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

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

First, today's weather:

Scattered showers. High: 35 Low: 32

Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:

  1. President Patricia Katebini and the Board of Directors of Laurel Advocacy & Referral Services, Inc (LARS) recently announced that Shannon Mouton has been selected as the new Executive Director for Laurel Advocacy and Referral Services. Mouton comes to LARS with more than 20 years of experience in strategic planning, development, partnership collaboration, and political work. Most recently, she was an interim Executive Director and a founding Board member of a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that provides STEM, arts, and athletic programming to underserved Black and Latino youth in DC. The Board believes that Mouton's previous work experiences will bring support for all of LARS' programs, internal departments, and the development of its staff. (Patch)
  2. Christian Pulley, CPM, City Administrator for the City of Laurel, was chosen to participate in the professional development program as a member of the Leadership Maryland Class of 2022. Pulley will complete an eight-month, hands-on learning program focused on the state's most vital issues that impact economic development. These are issues of criminal justice, education, environment and health (to name a few). (City of Laurel)
  3. Governor Larry Hogan recently submitted a supplemental budget to the legislature that directs $139.9 million for programs outlined in the state's multi-year education reform plan. The proposal includes $230.7 million for Medicaid programs, $1.2 million for retention and recruiting bonuses for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and $50 million for a Rural Maryland Economic Development Program. (WTOP)

From our sponsor:

Hey Laurel, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs!

Today in Laurel:

  • Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market—Open on 9701 Fort Meade Road (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • Sophisticated Studies—This class in Laurel will include: Art, Math Games, Science, English Mechanics, Creative Writing, Social Studies and more. All classes will use games, small-group work, student-designed projects, movement and art. Teaching team will be lead by Meredith Kaunitz with various instructors teaching at different times accordion to area of expertise. (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
  • In Freedom's Name—This event in Laurel features a touring exhibit that celebrates the military service and sacrifice of Black Marylanders throughout history. The exhibit features 38 panels that include 63 major stories and 245 photographs and images. It explores the stories of Marylanders and Prince Georgians whose courage and service are an inspiration for young people and adults alike. Developed by the Maryland Military Historical Society, in partnership with Stevenson' University's Department of Public History & Humanities, the exhibition at PGCMLS is sponsored by Warren Builds and County Council Member-at-Large Mel Franklin. (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
  • Laurel Park Racing (12:50 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Vaccine Clinic at Maryland City Library—The Anne Arundel County Health Department will host a vaccination clinic for 1st and second doses of the Pfizer vaccine for ages 12 and older. Booster shots of Moderna and Pfizer will be available for ages 16 and older. Please register in advance. Walk-in appointments will be accepted. (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
  • Tony Woods & Friends at DC Comedy Improv Club in NW DC—A true "comedian's comedian," Tony started doing stand-up right here in the District. He has influenced countless stand-ups, delivering long and unforgettable bits with a signature laid-back style that completely disarms audiences. For this show, he's taking over our main showroom and bringing along some of his great comedy friends. (7:30 p.m.)
  • Lauren Alaina's Top Of The World Tour Presented By Maurices at The Fillmore in Silver Spring—Lauren Alaina is an American singer-songwriter from Rossville, Georgia. She came runner-up on the tenth season of American Idol in 2011. (8:00 p.m.)
  • Adams Morgan Comedy Night (Stand-Up Comedy Show)—Not only will you see the best comics in the DMV, we also regularly host comics from The Tonight Show, Conan, The Late Show and who have specials on Comedy Central, HBO, Netflix, Dry Bar among others.
    We will have very limited tickets at a donate-what-you-want price. This event is expected to sellout, so there will not be door sales. (8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Laurel Volunteer Fire Department: Thanks to our Laurel Firefighter volunteers! We appreciate you putting out the fire behind our apartments in Evergreens! (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: Please join Mayor Craig A. Moe in congratulating City Administrator Christian Pulley as she joins the Leadership Maryland Class of 2022. (Facebook)
  • Laurel Police Department: As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, we would like to introduce you to Officer Willie L. Williams. He was the first African American LEO to become top cop for both the Philadelphia and Los Angeles police departments. In Philly, where he was commissioner for four years starting in 1988, he's credited with implementing the then-novel idea of taking a community policing approach to law enforcement, boosting diversity within the ranks, and decentralizing the agency by establishing small police stations throughout the city. He then brought his skills to the LAPD, where he was chief during most of the '90s – a time fraught with racial tension between the public and LEOs in the City of Angels. (Facebook)
  • Laurel Parks & Recreation: Did you know the City of Laurel Department of Parks & Recreation offers two community centers both equipped with a fitness room? Stop by either the Robert J. DiPietro Comuntiy Center or Laurel Armory to learn more. (Facebook)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Patuxent Greens: How much to replace rear light on a 2016 GMC terrain? My light is out. I purchased the light and asked someone else to do it but it hasn't happened yet and I need someone ro do this. Anyone available this week? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, High Ridge: Any recommendations for house cleaning services? (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Laurel: Yogismile is a yoga studio on Main Street in Laurel that opened in 2020. The studio is in a beautifully remodeled historic home. The owner, Kay brings a warm, safe environment into the space as do her instructors. (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Events:

  • Learn How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease During American Heart Month (February 28)
  • Brilliant, Bold, Confident, Beautiful Girls Support Group Struggling with Self-Esteem Issues (March 9)
  • Add your event

Job listings:

Loving the Laurel Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday! I'll be back in your inbox 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?

More from Laurel