Community Corner
Laurel Resident Guilty Of Conspiracy + Free Flu Shot Clinics Open
Tune into everything happening in Laurel with Patch's daily newsletter.

Morning, Laurel! Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started off right.
First, today's weather:
Clear throughout the day. High: 72 Low: 50.
Here are the top five stories today in Laurel:
- Laurel resident Michael Fisher, a.k.a. Mark Wilson, pleaded guilty on Sept. 24 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana and distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Acting United States Attorney Jonathan Lenzner said, "Our law enforcement team here in Maryland is focused on prosecuting individuals like Michael Fisher who are importing large quantities of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into the state ... This investigation reflects the positive impact that law enforcement can have on our communities." (Department of Justice)
- Last week, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the opening of a new sidewalk along northbound Route 1. This new sidewalk connects the entrance of the Paddock Pointe community in North Laurel to the city of Laurel and Prince George's County. Officials from Howard County, the city of Laurel and the state of Maryland attended the ceremony. Mark Thompson, senior vice president of development for 1/ST Properties, said, "It is a critical link joining North Laurel with the city of Laurel. We're very proud of it." (Baltimore Sun)
- The City of Laurel received a dividend check of over $30,000 from Chesapeake Employers Insurance for making workplace safety a top priority. It received the check in June 2021. Now with winter around the corner, L#3Harris TranSim is in Laurel this week providing training/testing to fleet drivers in the use of snowplow operations. The city is able to do this because the request to repurpose those funds back into worker safety and prevention was approved. (Facebook)
- The flu season is approaching and health officials in Prince George's County are emphasizing the importance of flu shots. Diane Young, an associate director with the county's health department, said, "Don't forget about it because flu is not going anywhere." County health leaders are offering free shots to residents by holding a series of flu shot clinics. No appointment is required. Walk-ins are welcome. (WTOP)
- In celebration of National Coffee Day today (Sept. 29), Wawa will offer customers free coffee of any size all day at each of Wawa's locations in Maryland. Wawa expects to give away nearly 1.88 million cups of coffee to customers across all of its stores. Wawa's coffee day celebration is unique because customers can come in multiple times and are able to get any size free coffee – selecting from 8 delicious varieties of freshly-brewed coffee all day. (GlobalNewswire)
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Today in Laurel (*Most events are in or nearby Laurel):
- Free Acupuncture with Community Health Initiative (CHI) — Master's level acupuncture students, under supervision by licensed and experienced faculty, are providing safe and effective auricular treatments. (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)
- Bible Study — Every week at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, one of the pastors of Our Savior Lutheran Church will lead a study. (7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
- UMD First Look Fair — The University of Maryland First Look Fair will take place on the Mckeldin Mall on Wednesday, September 29. Whatever your thing is—sports, theater, community service, beekeeping or other things—you can find it at the First Look Fair! First Look Fair is one of the longest running involvement traditions at the University of Maryland. First Look Fair hosts almost 600 student clubs and organizations, campus departments and services, local vendors, and community service agencies. (10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
- The DAVINCI Mission: Venus and Connections to Venus-like Planets Beyond — NASA's recently selected DAVINCI mission (Deep Atmosphere of Venus Investigation of Noble Gases, Chemistry, and Imaging) will be the first mission to plunge through the Venus atmosphere since the USSR Vega landers in 1985, providing a new look at Earth's enigmatic sister planet. If Venus was ever habitable, could "exo-Venuses" be habitable too? This talk will summarize the DAVINCI mission and its connections beyond the solar system. (3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
- Blue Star Welcome Week Event at College Park Aviation Museum — Blue Star Families welcomes you to the National Capital Region! Celebrate all that the D.C. area has to offer with a very special Blue Star Welcome Week Family Event at the College Park Aviation Museum. This private welcome will include a guided tour of unique aircraft, hands-on activities, and interpretive areas for children of all ages. Each family will receive a Blue Star Welcome Week gift bag filled with resources, giveaways, and a movie night family pack from Navy Federal Credit Union in Bowie. (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
- Morning Prayer Call — Need some inspiration to start your day? Join St. Matthew's United Methodist Church's morning prayer call. Dial 267-807-9601 and enter access code 111-576-270# (6:30 a.m. to 6:45 a.m.)
Laurel Patch Notebook
- PGCPS: *REMINDER* Although meals are free for all students this school year, it is important that families (in-person + virtual) still submit the Free and Reduced-Price Meals application to guarantee future funding, benefits and support. (Instagram)
- City of Laurel - Government: Important information about empowering domestic violence survivors with skills and confidence needed to secure and maintain employment. (Facebook)
- Laurel Police Department: Did you know we are hiring for police officers? We are looking for you to join the Laurel Police Family. You can make a difference! (Facebook)
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- Rockburn Manor Community Estate/Yard Sale (October 2)
- Free Bikes 4 Kidz Collection Day (October 2)
- The Hops & Harvest Festival (October 2)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you around. If you're loving these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors on board. 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? Email me at alexiswritesforpatch@gmail.com.