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Community Corner

🌱Small Business Saturday + State Attorney Addresses Crime Causes

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

Alexis Goring, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Here's everything happening around town today.

First, today's weather:

Breezy with clouds and sun. High: 44 Low: 29.

Here are the top four stories today in Laurel:

  1. Check out local businesses and take part in Small Business Saturday today. This 11-year tradition gives the community an opportunity to support their local businesses. Data from the U.S. Small Business Administration shows that in 2020, Americans spent $20 billion during this event. America's Main Streets are the heartbeat of local businesses. From one-of-a-kind trinkets to specialized cuisine and special events, main streets offer customers a unique experience that shoppers can only find locally. (Maryland.gov)
  2. The University of Maryland (UMD) received $2.5 million in gifts from the Clarvit family to support a transformation in the art department and contribute resources to education majors. A portion of the donation will promote innovation in the art department through faculty and graduate student research opportunities, arts programming, cutting-edge technology, renovated studios and an outdoor exhibition space that will highlight work produced by UMD students, faculty and visiting artists. (University of Maryland)
  3. Bowie State University, along with two other Historically Black Colleges and Universities was selected as an initial participant in Penn National Gaming, Inc.'s new Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarship Program. The program will dedicate more than $4 million over five years to HBCUs in states where Penn National operates to fund STEM scholarships and internship opportunities with the company. Penn National President and CEO Jay Snowden noted that "Increasing access to STEM opportunities for HBCU students is another important step to promote social and economic equity, as well as diversity, inclusion and belonging."(Bowie State University)
  4. Prince George's County has seen a dramatic rise in the homicide rate in 2021, with more than 100 killings reported so far this year. The county's top prosecutor, State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy, said she'll continue to support efforts to address the underlying cause of crime, as well as carrying out criminal prosecutions. She says the focus needs to also be on the underlying needs of young offenders. Braveboy said that the Coronavirus pandemic and the social isolation because of it were part of the problem. (WTOP)

Today in Laurel:

  • Laurel Small Business Saturday (10:00 a.m.)
  • Small Business Saturday Markers Market: Holiday Edition (11:00 a.m.)
  • Blvckroom Studios Open House Event — Free Food and Drinks! Blvckroom Studios Open House Event. One stop shop for all artists and musicians! (8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
  • Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market—Open on 9701 Fort Meade Road (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
  • Saturday Late Night Happy Hour—Sounds by DJ Yazell at 5 Sisters Restaurant (9:00 p.m.)
  • Small Business Saturday Makers Market: Holiday Edition — Due to space, the show is limited to 10 booths. With your registration, you will receive one table and one folding chair. Anything else needed/wanted for your booth needs to be provided by you. Highly recommended that you bring marketing materials, such as brochures or cards. (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
  • Public Food Distribution— Join Prayer Tower Bible Way Apostolic Faith in serving the community by giving away fruits and vegetables, bread, meats, and dairy products that are donated for distribution to the needy. Boxes and bags filled with groceries to grab and go. Volunteers are welcomed to call (240)583-0996 to get involved. (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

Laurel Patch Notebook

  • Laurel Police Department: "We are partnering with the Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad and the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department to sponsor a TOY DRIVE to benefit local Laurel Children! You will find a large box in the lobby of the station to donate NEW unwrapped toys..." (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel Department of Economic and Community Development: Ready to #ShopSmall on Small Business Saturday? Attend this event today at 378 Main Street between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. to celebrate #SmallBizSat. Enjoy FREE coffee and donuts, shop small freebies, and a raffle for a chance to win over $500 in local business gift cards! (Facebook)
  • Holiday Celebration: Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight nights, usually in November or December. This year, it begins at sundown on Sunday and ends on Dec. 6.

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update. If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. 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? I'm all ears. You can email me at alexiswritesforpatch@gmail.com.

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

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