🌱 Alsobrooks Runs For Re-Election + Mask Mandate Will End Soon

Alexis Goring
Updated ·7 min read
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Happy Tuesday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and not as cold. High: 40 Low: 25.

Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:

  1. Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks wants to continue her work leading the county. Recently, she filed paperwork to officially run for reelection. Her run is themed “Further Together.” Her focus will be to “build on the strides that she has made in education, COVID-19 response, improving government services, making our communities safer, and expanding access to quality health care." (WTOP)

  2. Bowie State University is preparing to welcome Dr. George L. Askew, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health, Human Services, and Education for Prince George’s County to the campus as the keynote speaker for the 2022 Spring Convocation celebrating Black History Month on Feb. 16. Long before Prince George’s County reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Maryland, the county was struggling with preexisting health conditions and interrelated social issues. Since August 2021, Prince George’s County has seen a major change pertaining to COVID-19 under Dr. Askew’s leadership. (Bowie State)

  3. Governor Larry Hogan recently announced that the requirement for masks and face coverings to be worn in state buildings will end next week. He has called on the State Board of Education to rescind its school mask policy. Gov. Hogan encourages parents who want to weigh in on the issue to contact the board prior to its next meeting.(Maryland.gov)

Today in Laurel:

  • Toddler Time at the Maryland City Library in Laurel—Children ages 18 to 36 months (with caring adult) enjoy a variety of developmentally-appropriate stories, songs, rhymes and movement activities while building early literacy skills. (10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.)

  • Half Pint Kids Club: Sweetheart Pancakes — Children, ages 3-5, are welcome to this fun filled culinary or craft workshop every Tuesday, followed by a store tour and samples. In this class hosted by the Annapolis Culinary Center, 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.)

  • Identity Series & Cuisine Night Sponsored by Latinx Heritage Celebration — The Identity Series & Cuisine Night is a monthly event series that features provosts, deans, directors, staff, and student leaders to speak about their identities with students over dinner. These identities can include race/ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliations, ability, nationality and more. The goal of this event is to allow the speaker to address their own identities, tell their story, and engage in conversations about intersectionality with the Johns Hopkins student community. This event will take place in the D&I Lounge, Homewood Apartments, located in Baltimore. (6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

  • Family Storytime — Families with young children enjoy a variety of stories, songs, rhymes and movement activities while building early literacy skills. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. This event will be hosted by Discoveries: the Library at the Mall in Annapolis Mall. (6:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

  • For The Culture Open Mic Night — Calling All Artists, Musicians and Creatives! Here’s a chance to display your talents and network amongst enthusiasts of the arts. This event will take place at City-State Brewing in DC. Poets, singers, comedians, instrumentalists and all forms of art are welcome! Don’t want to take the stage? No problem! Sit back and enjoy live music from the house band accompanied by live paintings by local artists! (7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)

  • Galentine's Gathering at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant in Annapolis—Elevate your Galentine’s celebration this year, and gather your favorite guy, gal, or group (perhaps we should call it PAL-entine’s dinner!) for a Wine Club event that’s too good to miss. The festivities will feature a delectable three-course wine-paired dinner and interactive experiences to showcase your love for your friends. (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

  • SHEN YUN Performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. (7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

  • Summer: The Donna Summer Musical — She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed. With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation. (8:00 p.m. to 9:47 p.m.)

  • Gregory Porter in Concert — Back by popular demand after a sold-out show at Strathmore in February 2019, Porter is beloved for his honeyed baritone and soulful jazz. A gifted singer of standards as well as more contemporary soul material, Porter has earned comparisons to luminaries like Nat King Cole, Donny Hathaway, and Stevie Wonder. His recent release, Nat King Cole & Me, a loving tribute to Porter’s life-long idol, was nominated for two Grammy Awards. (8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Stone Lake: If you want Luca Mancini to paint your ceiling or a canvas for you, you need to book him now! Because this has aired and the Maestro is FAMOUS! (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Russett: Found a friendly small white fluffy dog with no collar running by the Avalon apartments in Russett Green East. No owner spotted. The dog ran away from me. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Old Town Laurel: Please check out and support my small online business here in Laurel. I create handmade and custom cables in a large assortment of color options to fit your needs! (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: Derrick Jones is looking for side jobs. Junk runs or furniture deliveries. Call him at 443-635-9425. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Old Town Laurel: A big black and white cat found its way into our yard. Very tame. If you are missing your kitty, please feel free to come in our yard to fetch her/him. I fed her/him and he/she invited herself in but my grandson and I are allergic. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, South Laurel/Beltsville: I start seeing patients next week at my school's dental hygiene clinic (see my last few posts for details). I can provide patients with low-cost, comprehensive dental care. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Hammond Hills: I'm working with two vulnerable families here in Laurel and Columbia with children that have a need for clothing and shoes. There are three students in particular that I'm trying to help. Two are homeless. (Nextdoor)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new 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.

This article originally appeared on the Laurel Patch