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

Community Corner

🌱 Olive On Main Hosts Belly Dancing + Virtual ASL Story Time

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

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Happy Tuesday, people of Laurel! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening locallytoday.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 41 Low: 23.

Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:

  1. Governor Larry Hogan recently visited University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center (UM BWMC) in Anne Arundel County to thank healthcare workers in celebration of Healthcare Heroes Appreciation Week. Gov. Hogan said that he wants to "sincerely thank all of our amazing healthcare heroes who have faced unprecedented and never-ending challenges over the last two years ... These heroes are the definition of 'Maryland Strong'." (Maryland.gov)
  2. Maryland University of Integrative Health's Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine is offering an opportunity for people to achieve their health and wellness career goals this year with MUIH's doctoral and master's programs. These programs will prepare students to achieve full clinical competency in acupuncture and to become highly skilled, integrative healthcare practitioners. Each program has unique features that prepare students for different career tracks and aspirations. (PRNewswire)
  3. Olive On Main will be host another live Belly Dance Event on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged. They're offering dinner and drink specials throughout the weekend. Follow their Facebook and Instagram page @OliveonMain for the most up-to-date information. (Laurel MD Connect)

Today in Laurel:

  • Barry Goldstein: Slice of Life at the Montpelier Arts Center (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
  • Andrea Evans: Flora at the Montpelier Arts Center (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
  • Valentine's Day Activity Packet — Valentine's Day is quickly approaching! Stop by Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library and grab an activity packet that includes coloring pages, trivia, book recommendations, and a "love monster" craft! (10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
  • Half Pint Kids Club: Fresh Fruit Pops — Children, ages 3-5, are welcome to attend this event hosted by Whole Foods Market in Annapolis for a fun-filled culinary or craft workshop every Tuesday, followed by a store tour and samples. In this class, kids will learn how to make a fun craft or a delicious snack using all-natural ingredients. Cost: $5. (11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.)
  • Outdoor Ice Skating at Washington Harbour — Experience D.C.'s largest outdoor skating rink at The Washington Harbour! It's open for skating every day, including the holidays. Open for general admission, as well as private rentals. (11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
  • Virtual ASL Story Time — Stories and songs in American Sign Language! Join us on Facebook Live for American Sign Language (ASL) Story Time with Librarians Ms. Janice and Ms. Jenny! Janice will sign in ASL and Jenny will read aloud from a fun book, then teach some signs from our story, and how to sign the song "The More We Get Together." Even though the program is designed for ages 2-5, all are welcome. Automatic captioning will be available. Stream on Facebook Live at facebook.com/dclibrary. Follow the Library's Facebook page to receive notifications when Facebook Live programs start. (2:00 p.m. to 2:20 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Laurel Police Department: As we continue to celebrate Black History Month we would like to introduce you to another important figure in law enforcement. Bass Reeves joined the ranks of law enforcement in pre-statehood Oklahoma after he became a free man following the Emancipation Proclamation. He was hired as one of 200 deputy U.S. Marshals to track down fugitives hiding in Indian Territory, becoming the first deputy U.S. marshal appointed west of the Mississippi river. The most feared cop to patrol the territory, "The Indomitable Marshal" survived multiple gunfights and assassination attempts. As a former slave, Reeves was illiterate, but that did not get in the way of his outstanding work as a law enforcement officer. Reeves would memorize his warrants and writs, and reportedly never arrested the wrong person in his 32 years as a deputy U.S. marshal. (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: Governor Larry Hogan proclaims Feb. 7 to Feb. 13, #HealthcareHeroesAppreciationWeek! Nominate a deserving Healthcare Hero. (Facebook)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Kings Woods: Anyone know anyone who does custom cakes reasonably priced? I am looking for someone to make a baby shower cake similar to this but for a baby boy. Thank you for any suggestions! (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Arbory: I'm looking for a low cost bankruptcy attorney. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, West Laurel: Perry has been found! Thank you to wonderful neighbors on Gales. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Patuxent Greens: I am a part time makeup artist in the DMV area, located in Laurel. I am currently available weekends and Fridays. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Kings Woods: Can anyone recommend a good licensed and insured roofer? We have a leak in our roof that we need to have looked at. We are in a single family home in Kingswoods Laurel. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier Woods: There are job openings in University of Maryland Recreation & Wellness! Looking to fill this position: Coordinator for Student Personnel & Training. This person will be responsible for the ongoing support for the department's nearly 900 student employees and fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier Woods: The University of Maryland is looking for a dynamic, collaborative leader to guide the strategic work of our Leadership and Community Service Learning (LCSL) office. (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: I'm in need of a seamstress for a dress alteration. Any recommendations other than Zips? (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

Housing:

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

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with 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?

More from Laurel