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Community Corner

Lauryn’s Law Helps Youth Mental Illness + HBCUs Enrollment Boom

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Alexis Goring, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Tuesday, neighbors! Let's get this day started off right. Here's everything worth knowing today in Laurel.

First, today's weather: Humid throughout the day. High: 91 Low: 71.

Here are the top five stories today in Laurel:

  1. When Lauryn Santiago took her own life in 2013, just three weeks after her 15th birthday, her mother Linda Diaz said she didn't see it coming. As a result of this tragedy, Diaz became the founder and CEO of Lauryn's Law, a Laurel-based nonprofit organization that helps youth tackle mental illness. (WTOP)
  2. Pimlico Race Course brought the curtain down on its extended Preakness Meet Sunday with veteran Claudio Gonzalez and teenage sensation Charlie Marquez formally wrapping up their respective titles as leading trainer and jockey. Gonzalez had one starter on Sunday's nine-race program, running fourth with Blue Sky Painter in Race 7. Gonzalez has won both full meets in Maryland this year following Laurel's winter stand, and was leading its spring meet standings when live racing was moved to Pimlico after just four days. (laurelpark.com)
  3. While some traditional universities are experiencing declines in students, many historical Black colleges and universities are having an enrollment boom. Calls for racial justice, the attack on the U.S. Capitol and the overall political climate are a few of the factors influencing students, based on the majors they're choosing. It's been said HBCUs offer an education that's not in the books. Those are lessons more students are anxious to learn. (NBC4 Washington)
  4. Governor Larry Hogan recently issued a statement after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. He thanked federal officials for authorizing full approval of the Pfizer vaccine and he encouraged people who are still hesitant about getting the vaccine with an assurance that it has met the most rigorous standards for safety and effectiveness. (Maryland.gov)
  5. On Monday, Governor Larry Hogan joined Virginia Governor Ralph Northam and Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for the official transfer of 55 historic African American headstones to National Harmony Memorial Park in Prince George's County. The headstones, which had been used as erosion-control and scattered along the Virginia shores of the Potomac River, will be reunited with remains previously relocated from the former site of D.C.'s historic Columbian Harmony Cemetery. (Maryland.gov)

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Today in Laurel

  • Crafternoon — Enjoy a morning of crafting! Weather permitting, limited to the first 15 participants ages 5-12 years with adult. Materials will be provided. (11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)
  • Uhuru Quilters Guild Exhibit — Montpelier House Museum presents the latest creations of the Uhuru Quilters Guild. Come see these beautiful works, a mix of full size and challenge size quilts featuring traditional as well as original designs. The Uhuru Quilters Guild seeks to promote the work and accomplishments of African American quilters and to preserve the tradition, culture and history of quilting. (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • Auricular Acupuncture at MUIH Main Campus — Master's level acupuncture students, under supervision by licensed and experienced faculty, are providing safe and effective auricular treatments. Limit: Six participants per seating to ensure a safe, physically distanced, and peaceful experience. (5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)

Laurel Patch Notebook

  • City of Laurel - Government: Are you or someone you know in need of some Back-to-School help? Living Hope Church, located on 613 Montgomery Street, will hold a Back-to-School Giveaway on August 24, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.! (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update. If you're feeling 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? Contact me at Laurel@Patch.com.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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