🌱 Bowie State Bomb Threat + FDA Recalls CovClear COVID-19 Test

Alexis Goring
Updated ·7 min read

Hey, Laurel! Here's everything you need to know to get this Tuesday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Sun and areas of high clouds. High: 41 Low: 27.

Here are the top three stories today in Laurel:

  1. Howard University and Bowie State University (BSU) were among a few historically Black colleges and universities that received bomb threats Monday morning. As a result, campus operations were disrupted and police were called to investigate. Classes were canceled at five of the schools and students were told to remain in their dorm rooms until an all-clear was issued. (The Washington Informer)

  2. Dr. Vikaskumar Patel, DDS of Laurel earned an Associate Fellowship in the National Dental Implant Academy. As one of 750 dentists who hold this distinguished membership, Dr. Patel is one of the leading experts in implant care. To qualify for an Associate Fellowship, Dr. Patel completed a minimum of 300 hours of post-doctoral instruction in implant dentistry, performed implant cases, and passed the Academy's Associate Fellow examination. (WFMZ Allentown)

  3. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled the CovClear COVID-19 Rapid Antigen test and ImmunoPass COVID-19 Neutralizing Antibody Rapid Test by Empowered Diagnostics because these tests were not authorized by the FDA. These unauthorized tests have “potentially higher risk of false results.” The FDA is encouraging anyone who received these tests in the last two weeks to get tested again. (Facebook)

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Today in Laurel:

  • Black Artists Display and Coloring Sheets—Visit the Children's Room in Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library - Central Library to learn more about Black artists. Read stories featuring the work of Black artists and telling their life stories. Participants will be able to color their own versions of artworks, including works by Faith Ringgold, Jacob Lawrence, and Amy Sherald. (10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

  • Half Pint Kids Club: Groundhog Cupcakes—We welcome you to join us for a fun filled culinary or craft workshop every Tuesday at Whole Foods Market in Annapolis, 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. Registration fees may apply. (11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.)

  • Cupid's Kids: Valentines for Seniors—Palisades Library is teaming up with the Department on Aging and Community Living to collect handmade Valentine’s Day cards for DC's homebound seniors as part of the Cupid's Kids program. No matter if you are 3 or or 93, everyone can help us make this Valentine's Day extra special for our seniors. Please bring the cards you made to the Palisades Library by Feb. 4. Valentines will be delivered to seniors who receive home-delivered meals. (12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

  • Childcare 2021-22 PM Forest Ridge Elementary School in Laurel—We're sorry, but Internet registration is not available for this activity. Please contact us during regular business hours for registration information. Please call 410-313-7275 to check space in After Care (PM) only registration for 2021-2022 school year at Forest Ridge ES. (3:55 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

  • Girls Basketball v. Bladensburg - CMIT Academy North - High Public Charter (5:30 p.m.)

  • Candlelight: Celebrating Billie Holiday & Amy Winehouse — Candlelight Concerts presents a tribute to two of the most enduring voices of our times. Amy Winehouse & Billie Holidays' lives existed nearly half a century apart, but both women had an unparalleled ingenuity and emotion that connected with listeners viscerally. Maybe it is the tragedy and triumph in their voices, perhaps the reliability of women who faced near impossible obstacles, but their bodies of music continue to connect with new listeners. Let some of the best musicians the city has to offer, take you on a loving tour of the music of these two monumental women. This event will be hosted by the City Winery in Washington, D.C. (6:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Laurel Police Department: WE ARE HIRING! We are in search of a Property Custodian! Please click here for the job announcement: https://www.cityoflaurel.org/b... (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: We have some spicy news for you. A new exhibit is opening at the Laurel Museum, and this one's for foodies. Here's more information. And check out our other post about a preview event all about food in the Grove. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: #BlackHistoryMonth2022: The celebration of Black History began in 1926 as a weeklong recognition by the father of Black History, Carter G. Woodson. Sixty years later in 1986 Congress passed the law that made the whole month of February Black History Month to ensure all Americans stayed aware of the struggle for freedom and equal opportunity for African Americans. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: Laurel Parks & Recreation announced they have CANCELLED their Free February Movie, Soul, on Feb. 25. Be sure to follow them for other events and activities being planned as it becomes warmer! (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: As a mouth watering preview to their "What's Cookin in Laurel" exhibit, Laurel History Museum is presenting a VIRTUAL program called Food and Faith at St. Mark's Church and the Grove on Feb. 10 at 7:00 p.m. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: FREE FOOD: If you or someone you know is in need of food, Prayer Tower Church, 12 N 2nd Street, will open its Food Pantry today (Feb. 1), from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please share for those in need. (Facebook)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Arden Pointe: Check out my new group: "Who has Stubborn Belly Fat You trying to get rid of?" Everyone who is interested is welcome to join. Here's the link: https://nextdoor.com/g/ol9jhqy... (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Sudlersville: The Maryland Coalition for Responsible Transit (MCRT) is excited to host a virtual 2022 Annual Meeting on Feb. 10 at 7:00 p.m. Registration is required.Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/maryland-coalition-f... (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: If you have a Pasta Plus gift card with an unused balance, please email us at GiftCards@pastaplusrestaurant.com. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, North Laurel Road: I’m moving to the Laurel Howard County side soon. Looking for any need to know information about neighborhood staying by The Seasons. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: PGCMLS is now hiring! Come join a fabulous team of dedicated public servants who make a positive difference in the lives of community members every day. Apply now at https://pgcmls.info/employment (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Russett: Can someone recommend where people search for reliable childcare/sitter? Any part-time sitters looking for work? (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Villages at Wellington: Does anyone have a recommendation for a good veterinarian in the Laurel area? I just adopted 2 cats and need to get them checked out.

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You're officially in the loop for today! See you tomorrow for 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.

This article originally appeared on the Laurel Patch