Community Corner
🌱 Mayor Moe Declares State Of Emergency + Men's Breakfast Club
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Laurel.

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Here's everything worth knowing today in town.
First, today's weather:
Cloudy. High: 37 Low: 26.
Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:
- Mayor Craig A. Moe has declared a State of Emergency due to a COVID-19 outbreak. The following actions will take effect today at 5:00 p.m. All residents, staff, visitors, and vendors shall wear a facial covering (mask) that covers the nose and mouth in all City buildings and facilities. All persons over the age of two are required to wear a mask in all indoor public venues and businesses in Prince George's County and the City of Laurel even if they are fully vaccinated. This includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, retail stores, entertainment venues, conference centers, and office settings. (City of Laurel)
- Captain White's Seafood is moving into a new location across the Potomac River in Oxon Hill. Captain White's Seafood plans to open later this year at 6308 Livingston Road, which is the former home of Pizza Italia and Franks Sports Bar. (WTOP)
- Laurel Park management told the Maryland Racing Commission on Jan. 4 that no catastrophic breakdowns have occurred there since the track reopened for workouts on Dec. 10 and for racing Dec. 16 after maintenance to its dirt surface. Racing was canceled at Laurel in early December after a spike in equine fatalities in November. Mike Rogers, president of racing for the Maryland Jockey Club, which operates Laurel, said over 1,600 workouts or starts from horses have taken place since the track reopened. (BloodHorse.com)
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Today in Laurel:
- Winter Coat Drive: Morningside House of Laurel Senior Living will be hosting a Winter Coat Drive from Jan. 1 to Jan. 15! All items will be donated to THRIVE DC. It is in need of ALL sizes! Donation drop-off is on 7700 Cherry Lane in Laurel, Md. 20707. Questions? Contact Amanda at this number: 301-725-2220. (10:00 a.m.)
- Men's Breakfast Group: They usually gather in person at Rudy's Grill on the patio. But due to current evolving trends, they will gather together virtually on Zoom. (10:00 a.m.)
- Music Artist Event: Listen to Anya Hinkle at Seekers Church in NW, Washington D.C. (4:30 p.m.)
- Afrobeats Fridaze DC at Le Kavacha Bistro: Enjoy an exciting African Dance Party @ Le Kavacha Bistro. The music will be jammin' all night. Dance to your favorite afrobeats/afrohouse jams. Meet new friends from all over the world. (5:00 p.m.)
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More: Enjoy an intimate ambience in a beautiful venue bathed in candlelight, a talented string quartet performing songs from Vivaldi's Four Seasons and the stunning architecture of the iconic National City Christian Church. It's a safe, comfortable and socially-distanced event. (6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)
- Shen Yun Show in Hippodrome Theatre: The traditional Chinese culture Shen Yun presents cannot be seen anywhere else in the world — not even in China. There, the ruling communist regime has viewed China's rich spiritual and artistic heritage as a threat to its ideology and for decades tried to erase it. But in 2006, a group of Chinese artists came together in New York with a vision: to revive the best of China's cultural heritage and share it with the world. The company's repertoire includes important works shedding light on the plight of people like them in communist China today. After a decade of performing around the world to sold-out audiences everywhere, Shen Yun has brought a great civilization back from the brink of extinction. (7:30 p.m. to 9:11 p.m.)
- One Team Scavenger Hunt National Mall Washington D.C.: Puzzling Adventures™ are a cross between a scavenger hunt, an adventure race, and an informative self-guided tour. Each adventure consists of a series of locations that you are guided to where you are required to answer questions or solve puzzles to receive your next instruction. All you need is your own mobile device and an Internet connection. Participate in a group, as a couple, or individually. Create multiple teams and race each other. Almost all of our adventures are designed to be wheelchair and stroller friendly and all are carefully crafted to be entertaining and informative with something to appeal to all ages. If you have any questions please visit the Help page on our web site at https://puzzlingadventures.com/faq.php (10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
From my notebook:
- City of Laurel Department of Economic and Community Development: The City of Laurel is looking for an Economic Development Coordinator to join the Department of Economic and Community Development, please visit the website below to apply: https://www.cityoflaurel.org/baps/jobs/15228... (Facebook)
- Nextdoor Neighbor, Hammond Hills: Our dog Ripken got out of the yard this morning and is still missing. Our tracker last showed him in the Kings Contrivance/Hammond high area. Please contact us if he is seen. (Nextdoor)
- Nextdoor Neighbor, Laurel City: Do you need help to remove the snow from your house? Text me 240-708-9838. (Nextdoor)
- Nextdoor Neighbor, Laurel Bowie: If anyone needs their driveway/sidewalk clean, feel free to contact me. I am in the Snowden Pond area! (Nextdoor)
- Nextdoor Neighbor, Maryland City West: Anyone in Maryland City able to help me finish shoveling my driveway and side walk? My husband has broken ribs and is unable to help. Will pay but not looking to spend a lot. (Nextdoor)
- Nextdoor Neighbor, Stansfield Road: Is anybody missing a small beagle? He/she was just runnin' around at Morningside Stables at Columbia Horse Center. (Nextdoor)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! 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.