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Community Corner

🌱 MD Unemployment Rate At Lowest Level Now + Photos With Santa

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

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Hello, people of Laurel! It's me again, Alexis Goring, your host of the Laurel Daily.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 42 Low: 23.

Here are the top three stories today in Laurel:

  1. Brittany Russell, trainer for Hello Beautiful, hopes for more successes from the resilient history-making filly when she caps her 4-year-old season in the $100,000 Willa On the Move Dec. 26 at Laurel Park. Madaket Stables, Albert Frassetto, Mark Parkinson, K-Mac Stables and Magic City Stables' Hello Beautiful had a three-race win streak snapped when she finished last of five as the favorite in the six-furlong Politely Nov. 26 at Laurel. Russell said the Golden Lad filly came back well from the performance. (laurelpark.com)
  2. According to preliminary data released by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday, Maryland's economy gained 8,400 jobs in November and the state's unemployment rate decreased from 5.7% to 5.4%. These numbers mean that Maryland's unemployment rate is at its lowest level since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic more than 21 months ago. (MarylandReporter.com)
  3. Maryland health departments are experiencing ongoing technical problems amid an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations and testing volume. Despite the fact that some data has been restored to the Maryland Department of Health's COVID-19 dashboard since the Dec. 4 cyberattack on the department's website, some of the most crucial numbers used to make public health decisions are not available. Local health officials said that their state counterparts offered no new information on the tech problems and no timeline for the restoration of data reporting. (WBAL TV Baltimore)

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Today in Laurel:

  • Alzheimer's & Dementia Family Caregiver Support Group—This regularly scheduled gathering in Laurel is for anyone who is caregiving for a person with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Attend this event to exchange practical information on caregiving challenges and solutions. Share feelings and concerns, and talk through issues to find coping strategies. Support groups meet in-person and via Zoom. (10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
  • Photos With Santa at The Mall At Prince George's—Visit Santa in Center Court to capture your Christmas holiday memories. Reservations are encouraged but not required to have a photo taken with Santa. (12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
  • Holiday Door Decorating Contest—Join this event at Waugh Chapel in Gambrills to exhibit creative decorating that reflects what you enjoy about this festive season. Winter chill or warm and bright, we're sure your doors will be a DIY, delightful sight! The Beacon Staff will judge decorated doors today at 3:00 p.m. You do not have to be home for the judging as we will be walking around the building and will notify winners after. Three winners will be chosen and can pick up their prizes from the Leasing Office at their convenience. (3:00 p.m.)
  • Drive Through the Symphony of Lights—Attend this time-honored Howard County tradition! Tickets are per vehicle and valid any open night. (6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)
  • The Hip Hop Nutcracker—This contemporary dance spectacle hosted by the Strathmore in North Bethesda, is a remixed and reimagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky's timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. (8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • PGCPS: *NEWS* Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases, all students will transition to virtual learning, effective today through Thursday. Winter Break will proceed as scheduled. Virtual learning will continue Jan. 3 through Jan. 14. (Instagram)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Laurel Crossing: The Amish Market on 198 is open again! The parking lot was packed as usual. Go get that Butter Pound Cake! (Nextdoor)
  • City of Laurel Closures for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve: Mayor Craig Moe is getting the word out early about City of Laurel closures and refuse and recycling schedule changes for the holidays, so you can plan ahead. Here's the layout for Dec. 19-25, 2021: City offices, including the Passport Office will be closed on Friday (Dec. 24). There will not be any yard debris or bulk pickups on Wednesday. Crews will pick up all refuse and recycling for Friday on Thursday along with the regular Thursday pickups. (City of Laurel)
  • LVFD Business Meeting: This event will happen tonight from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (LVFD)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow for another 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?

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