Walktober Promotes Health/Safety + PGCPS Follows New COVID Rules

Happy Saturday, people of Laurel! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 78 Low: 54.

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Here are the top four stories today in Laurel:

1. Epic Luck, a 2-year-old gelding who is an undefeated stakes winner, brought a two-race win streak into Saturday's $150,000 Laurel Futurity at Laurel Park. His stakes win came on the same surface and at the same distance in the Aug. 31 Kitten's Joy at Colonial Downs. However, the Futurity will be his biggest test yet. (Past The Wire)
2. Michael Schrader's Robin Sparkles tuned up for her return to stakes competition with a 1 ¼-length victory in Thursday's featured eighth race at Laurel Park. Ridden by Mychel Sanchez for Belmont Park-based trainer Bruce Brown, Robin Sparkles completed 5 ½ furlongs in 1:02.32 over a firm All Along turf course in the third-level optional claiming allowance for fillies and mares 3 and older. (laurelpark.com)
3. Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) shared on Sept. 30, updated guidance from the Prince George's County Health Department on quarantine and testing rules for schools. This week, schools started random pool testing of students regardless of symptoms and vaccination status. Parents and guardians are required to provide consent prior to testing. Additionally, proof of vaccination for all student-athletes over age 12 will be required for participation in all sports. (PGCPS)
4. Governor Larry Hogan recently issued a proclamation designating October as "Walktober" in recognition of Maryland's official exercise—walking—for its health, recreation, and transportation benefits. The month-long celebration includes Walk Maryland Day on Oct. 6, as well as a Walktober webinar series focused on pedestrian safety, access, and health. Participants also can register walks they take alone or with others by visiting this website, mdot.maryland.gov/walktober. (Maryland.gov)

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Today's Laurel Daily is brought to you by Ring. Joey was home alone when he collapsed on a hot day. Watch what helped save his life.

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Today in Laurel:

• FALL 2021 North Laurel Community Center YARD SALE! (9:00 a.m.)
• Urban Wildlife Conservation Day — Patuxent Research Refuge will celebrate Urban Wildlife Conservation Day today. Activities include chalk art, nature walks, kayak demonstrations, raptor demonstrations and more much. This will be a socially-distanced event with activities offered around the Visitor Center, and at areas on the South and North Tracts of the refuge. Masks are required indoors. (10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
• The Journey Home: Walking with Families at the End of Life — Attend this event at St. Mary of the Mills Parish. Special guests will speak on a variety of topics, including advance care planning, hospice care, legal questions and the Five Wishes. (10:00 a.m.)
• Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market — Open on 9701 Fort Meade Road (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
• Public Food Distribution — Serving our 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. Community service hours are also available. (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
• Home Barista Class — Jeremy will be teaching a class on making espresso drinks! The class is $10. Spots fill up quickly and space is limited. Email ragamuffinslaurel@gmail.com with any questions and to reserve a spot! (1:00 p.m.)

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Laurel Patch Notebook

• Laurel Police Department: Join us in congratulating Kevin O'Neil on his promotion! He was recently promoted to Corporal. We are proud of all of the hard-work and commitment to the city of Laurel he continues to demonstrate. (Facebook)
• Prince George's County Police: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence impacts many in our community and country. Please listen to this important message from Major Gomez who oversees our Domestic Violence Unit. (Instagram)

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From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• 3 Gear Games / 3 Gear Studios — 3 Gear Games Your Friendly Local Game Shop (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Rockburn Manor Community Estate/Yard Sale (October 2)
• Free Bikes 4 Kidz Collection Day (October 2)
• The Hops & Harvest Festival (October 2)
• Wye River Upper School Virtual Speaker Series: How to Pay for School Tuition (October 7)
• [Webinar] Roof Replacement 101: Everything You Need to Know (October 9)
• Autumn Festival at The Mandala School (October 30)
• Add your event

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That's it for today. I'll see you around! If you're liking these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read 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? You can contact me at alexiswritesforpatch@gmail.com.