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Community Corner

🌱Virtual Learning Frustrates PGCPS Parents + UMD Death On Campus

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)

Happy Thursday, people of Laurel! Here's what's going on in town today.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 40 Low: 30.

Here are the top five stories in Laurel today:

  1. Mayor Craig A. Moe and the City of Laurel family of employees send condolences to two of their own after the passing of their beloved son Richard E. Blankenship, Jr. who passed away Monday night after a year long battle with cancer. His mother Mary is a passport agent for the City and his dad Richard is the Deputy Director of the Fire Marshal and Permit Services Department. (City of Laurel-Government- Facebook)
  2. Some parents of Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) students are frustrated with the decision to return virtual learning. Nikki Weiss is among a number of parents who are expressing frustration with the decision made at the end of last week to move to virtual schooling until Jan. 18. She struggles to work and find ways for her son to be online. When presented with parental concerns during a COVID update, PGCPS CEO Monica Goldson and County Executive Angela Alsobrooks say the numbers — nearly 1,000 students testing positive and 16,000 quarantined — made the move necessary. (WHP Harrisburg)
  3. Two-time stakes winner Run to Daylight and West Virginia-based stablemate Amidships, off the board in their last stakes trip to Maryland, are entered for a chance at redemption in the $100,000 Heft on Dec. 26 at Laurel Park. They are joined by the Dave's Friend for 3-year-olds and up and Willa On the Move for fillies and mares 3 and older, both sprinting six furlongs; about 1 1/16-mile Robert T. Manfuso for 3-year-olds and up and 1 1/8-mile Carousel for females 3 and older – each closing out the 2021 Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred Championship (MATCH) Series in their respective divisions. (laurelpark.com)
  4. Due to the Omicron variant becoming more dominant and COVID-19 hospitalizations continuing to rise across the state, Governor Larry Hogan recently announced the commitment of $100 million in emergency funding to address urgent staffing needs at Maryland hospitals and nursing homes. Gov. Hogan is also committing to a series of actions to further ramp up the availability of COVID-19 testing across the state. (Maryland.gov)
  5. Police at the University of Maryland are investigating a death on the College Park campus. Officers responded to an early morning call on Tuesday reporting that a man was lying in the grass near the Mowatt Lane Parking Garage. Police said he was pronounced dead at the scene, and said there was no ongoing threat to the campus community. (WTOP)

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Today in Laurel:

  • One-Day Camp at Morningside Stables—Morningside Stables offers high quality horseback riding instruction and summer camps. Attend this event at the Columbia Horse Center in Laurel. (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
  • Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market—Open on 9701 Fort Meade Road (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 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.)
  • After Work Happy Hour and Game Night—Attend this event at the 5 Sisters Restaurant in Laurel. (4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.)
  • Christmas At Union Church in Columbia—End the year with a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Attend this unique and fun Christmas service featuring jingles, an inspiring message and a fun program for your children! (7:30 p.m.)
  • Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Christmas Eve & Other Stories—Multi-platinum, progressive rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra is back to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their landmark album, "Christmas Eve and Other Stories." Celebrate the holidays at the Capital One Arena this winter and enjoy this multi-sensory extravaganza! (8:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Laurel Volunteer Fire Department: The Toy Drive held by Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad Company 49 and LVFD Company 10 was a HUGE success! Laurel families will receive a wonderful Christmas this year! Thank you for all your donations! (Facebook)
  • City of Laurel - Government: *Road Closure* Fourth Street will be closed between Laurel Avenue and Montgomery Street due to water pipe work by WSSC until further notice. Access for emergency services will be maintained during this closure. (Facebook)
  • Laurel Police Department: Never, not even for a second, leave your car running and unattended! Not for any reason! Criminals are watching for the right opportunity. (Facebook)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: *FREE BOXES* Approximately 13 sturdy boxes of various sizes. Just put out under covered porch, available for pick up! Msg me for address. (Nextdoor)

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You're all caught up 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?

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