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

Community Corner

🌱 Main Street Festival Vendors Needed + Hideout Comedy Lounge Show!

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

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Good morning, neighbors! It's me again, Alexis Goring, your host of the Laurel Daily.

First, today's weather:

Rain and a t-storm; cooler. High: 54 Low: 44.

Here are the top three stories today in Laurel:

  1. Bowie State University, which is the oldest Historical Black College and University (HBCU) in Maryland, received a visit from the country's third highest-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives: House Majority Whip James Clyburn. He visited on April 1 to talk about the importance and future of HBCUs in America. He told BSU students, "I want you all to develop a different mindset … that you are in a very good place. You have in very high places people whose backgrounds and experiences are exactly like yours. I want you to think about that as you go through your educational experience this year." (The Washington Informer)
  2. According to Patch reporter Kristin Danley-Greiner, National Library Week will be recognized at the Prince George's County Memorial Library System this week and many fun activities will be available for locals to enjoy! The library also celebrates the 75th anniversary of the library's founding this year. (Patch)
  3. The Main Street Festival and Parade is set for May 7. It will be a fun filled day of entertainment, food, vendors, music and activities and a parade! Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic between Route 1 South and 7th Street so visitors can enjoy the parade and then stroll up and down Main Street to safely enjoy all the festivities. More than 100 vendors have signed up so far, but there is room for more. Get your applications in now! (City of Laurel)

From our sponsor:

Today's newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. We all know that Ring is the leader in video doorbells for home security. But did you know that Ring now makes a home security system that is getting raves from consumer electronic experts?

To learn more about Ring Alarm Pro, the system CNET called "the future of home security," or to build your own custom system, visit Ring here.

Today in Laurel:

  • Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market—Open on 9701 Fort Meade Road (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
  • Smooth Sounds for Seniors: Venus Dodson at the Montpelier Arts Center in Laurel—Listen to sounds that will soothe the soul, bring joy, and encourage compassion through music. Dodson's versatility is reminiscent of the legendary Ella Fitzgerald, and her styling is comparable to that of great Sara Vaughn. Though Venus is her own planet, her love for Brazilian jazz is quite evident in her lively performances. (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
  • Laurel Park Racing in Laurel (12:40 p.m.)
  • Manna For Moms—Study the Bible with other Moms. We can share our struggles and celebrate our joys together. We meet every Thursday. Right now they are meeting on Zoom, but they hope to resume their meetings at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Laurel when it is safe to do so! Contact the church to get connected. (10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
  • Piano Jazz at Tagliata in Baltimore—To complement the restaurant's menu and decor, guests will be able to hear some of Baltimore's most talented musicians play Tagliata's 1926 Steinway piano 7 nights a week in the lounge. Pasta, wine and live piano will make every night out even more memorable! (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
  • Celebrating Middle East Food Writing: Tastes & Tales from the Levantine Kitchen—What can the histories of falafel, kibbe, and hummus teach us about the modern Middle East? Join us for an evening of readings and discussions by contributing authors to the recently published book Making Levantine Cuisine: Modern Foodways of the Eastern Mediterranean. All attendees will have a chance to enter a drawing to win a copy of the book. (6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.)
  • A Weighty Discussion: The Science of Obesity and Eating Disorders—The conversation around obesity and eating disorders is filled with misinformation. TV advertisements, fad diets, and social media posts all claim to know the secret to a healthy lifestyle, but often fail to account for the complicated genetic, societal, and personal factors that impact a person's weight and the way we talk about it. What's really happening when we discuss obesity and eating disorders? How can we have a better discussion around weight? In this livestreamed panel discussion, you can learn about the science behind eating orders and obesity; explore the complex relationship between their factors and causes; and discuss available treatment approaches. Followed by a live Q&A! (7:00 p.m.)
  • Native American Foods Meet Archaeology at LHS Program—Native American foods meet archaeology today (April 7), during "From the Ground Up: Indigenous Foods and Native Cuisine of the Chesapeake Bay Region." During the free webinar local archaeologist (WSP), TimeChef and Food Historian, Henry Ward will explore recipes that celebrate indigenous foods and native cuisine of the Chesapeake Bay region. Ward will share his unique perspective on these food items, and how his archaeological investigations inspired the development and preparation of the recipes. He'll demonstrate dishes including both Maize & Berry Bannock (a native cornbread) and Piscataway Berry Pudding (Wojapi – an indigenous mixed berry mousse). The program is being held by the Laurel Historical Society in connection with its current exhibit "What's Cookin' Laurel? Restaurants, Recipes and Community". (7:00 p.m.)
  • Comedy Night @ Takoma Station Tavern in NW D.C.—Come and laugh out loud with us with Dude in Da Corner and his roster of funny folks, both local and national. Music provided by DJ Mike G. (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
  • Mean Girls at the Kennedy Center in NW D.C.—Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina's reign, she learns the hard way that you can't cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). (7:30 p.m.)
  • BSO: Beethoven Ninth at The Strathmore in Bethesda (8:00 p.m.)
  • 1st Thursday Open Mic Night at Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville—Hosted by DJ Tao. Whether freestyle or written, DJ Tao is a word in motion. DJ Tao began his career as a spoken word artist in the Washington, DC area. After extensive experience performing locally, he decided to expand his audience. He took his act on the road, touring America's colleges with a duet called "The Pen and Paper". Since then, he has performed on countless stages throughout the East Coast. This seasoned writer has also released several studio projects featuring his work. Since 2010, he has hosted open mics at Busboys and Poets in their Shirlington and Hyattsville locations as well as Eggspress Yourself in Silver Spring. (8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
  • The Hideout Comedy Lounge in Laurel—The Hideout in Laurel runs comedy shows every first Thursday of every month. The best place in Laurel for comedy is at the Hideout! You will be hard-pressed to find a more fun and friendly atmosphere in the area than The Hideout. Enjoy great comedy along with delicious food and drinks! (8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Emergency Preparedness Specialist Alexandra Harris, Prince George's County Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management: The Prince George's County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) Public Preparedness Survey is now LIVE and we want to hear from you! (Nextdoor)
  • Social Media and Digital Marketing Specialist Kevin Wegman, Prince George's County Government: We are happy to announce that Watkins Regional Park Campground is open for the 2022 season! Camping is a great way to break away from the busy world and immerse yourself in nature. (Nextdoor)
  • Corporal Kurt Schnitzenbaumer, Prince George's County Police Department: Most of our 2022 PAL Summer Programs are STILL open for registration. (Nextdoor)
  • 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 and I just can't bring myself to do it. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Patuxent Greens: I need a dog sitter for this Friday (April 8) through Sunday (April 17). My dog is older 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 pay's is not increasing. (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)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Events:

Job listings:

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

That's it for today. I'll see you around!

— 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