🌱 Female Racehorse Won At Laurel Park + Indian Head Hwy Name Change

Alexis Goring
Updated ·8 min read

Good day, neighbors! Alexis Goring here with the latest Laurel Daily.

First, today's weather:

Very warm with periods of sun. High: 82 Low: 66.

Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:

  1. School graduation rates are increasing despite the ongoing pandemic. Laurel High School had a graduation rate gains of three or more percentage points. The Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) four-year Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate increased by 1.5 percentage points to nearly 78 percent for the 2020-21 academic year with 10 schools registering a graduation rate of more than 90 percent. Dr. Monica Goldson, Chief Executive Officer of PGCPS said, “Despite challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and distance learning, we have made progress. I remain grateful for the commitment and resilience of our students, educators and staff who continue to keep teaching and learning at the forefront.”(PGCPS)

  2. Jemison, a female racehorse, beat the boys in her career debut Sunday at Laurel Park. Ridden by Jevian Toledo for trainer Brittany Russell, Jemison ran six furlongs in 1:10.95 over a fast main track to win the maiden special weight for horses 3, 4 and 5 years old by 7 ¼ lengths despite being fractious behind the gate and bobbling at the start. (Laurel Park)

  3. Recently, the House and the Senate in Maryland’s state legislature agreed to change the name of Indian Head Highway to Piscataway Highway. The bill now awaits Gov. Larry Hogan’s signature before it can take effect. Changing the name of this road that spans Charles and Prince George’s counties became the focus of the Piscataway Conoy Tribe because of the fact that the name is derogatory to Native Americans. (WTOP)

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Today in Laurel:

  • Swahili Live Wednesdays | AfroHouse & AfroBeats (After Work Social)—This social takes place at Swahili Village - The Consulate DC. Enjoy amazing food, VIP Bottle Packages and Great Music Vibes. Celebrate life! Must be 21+ to attend. IDs required. (5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.)

  • Piano Jazz at Tagliata in Baltimore—To complement the restaurant’s menu and decor, guests will be able to hear some of Baltimore’s most talented musicians play Tagliata’s 1926 Steinway piano 7 nights a week in the lounge. Pasta, wine and live piano will make every night out even more memorable! (6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)

  • Great Decisions—Event hosted at Laurel Branch Library (6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)

  • Todd Marcus Jazz Orchestra, Quartet, Trio, & Duo at Joe's Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier—A seminar by Todd Marcus focused on community engagement, social justice program strategies from his work at Intersections of Change, and incorporation of these aspects into his work as a musician. (7:00 p.m.)

  • Laugh, Sip & Paint Night plus a comedy show at Takoma Station Tavern in NW D.C.—Enjoy an evening of sip and paint with live comedy and music performances. Hosted by Dude In Da Corner and guest painter Comedienne KeeKee. Music by DJ Mike G. Happy Hour Menu item included with purchase of Sip & Paint ticket. (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

  • The Power of Networking Mixer at 5 Sisters Restaurant in Laurel—Do you want more customers? Do you need exposure? 5 Sisters Restaurant & Lounge and TB Events are providing the platform to showcase your small business. Vending Tables and Speaking Opportunities are available for a small fee, Free for local Laurel based Businesses.Purchase your Vending Table and/or Speaking Opportunity Now! (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

  • 2nd Wednesdays Open Mic at Busboys and Poets in NW D.C.|Hosted by Simply Sherri—For two hours, audiences can expect a diverse chorus of voices and a vast array of professional spoken word performers, open mic rookies, musicians and a different host every week.
    California born and Maryland raised, Sherri started writing in 2001 and started reciting her work in 2008 in her poetic home of Baltimore. With topics ranging from love and relationships to depression and verbal abuse, her writing style is easy going and a reflection of her world.She has spotlighted and featured in New York City, Philadelphia, Washington and Atlanta. In 2010 she released her debut poetry CD Liquefy. She released her first book “Love Simply” in 2015. She is the host of several poetry venues between Baltimore, MD & Washington, D.C..Email: simplysherri@outlook.com (8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Laurel Police Department: In recognition of the heroes that you don't see, the calm amidst the chaos, we would like to introduce you to our dispatchers. The first dispatcher we would like to introduce to you is PCS Xavier Sykes. We appreciate you, PCS Sykes! (Facebook)

  • Laurel Volunteer Rescue Squad Company 49: As part of the monthly EMS drill topic, the Saturday day crew and other members discussed motorcycle based accidents and injuries, and how best to provide care during these low-frequency, high stress situations. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: See something, say something. Call Laurel Police Department at this number: 301-498-0092. (Facebook)

  • Laurel Police Department: Here is a look at our entire Communications Team. These are the faces of the women and men who bravely answer the call when you are in need. We thank them for what they do for this city and for all of you. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: While you’re on Main Street in Laurel, be sure to dine in one of our fine restaurants and shop in the stores. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: Save Water, Win Money! Make your pledge to conserve water and save energy during Earth Month and you can win $3,000 toward your annual utility bills, water saving fixtures, and hundreds of prizes. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: It’s not too late to be a vendor at this year’s Main Street Festival or in the parade. (Facebook)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, North Laurel Road: Thank you to the gentleman who payed for my gas tonight at the Shell gas station on All Saints Road. (Nextdoor)

  • Prince George's County Planning Department Carly Brockinton, Prince George’s County Government: The Placemaking Riverdale project is having a virtual kickoff event. Join us on April 26 at 6:30 p.m. to participate. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Cherry Branch: My cat Ginger slipped out my house yesterday while taking my kids out for play in the Laurel area near Cherry Lane. If you see him please call me at this number: 240-353-7630. (Nextdoor)

  • POFC J. Hang, Prince George's County Police Department: The Prince George's County Police Department is actively hiring for the position of Entry Level Police Officer, Lateral Police Officer, and Police Cadet. (Nextdoor)

  • Corporal Kurt Schnitzenbaumer, Prince George's County Police Department: Do you want to be the next Traffic Safety Champion? Department of Public Works and Transportation is holding a traffic safety video contest...(Nextdoor)

  • Corporal Kurt Schnitzenbaumer, Prince George's County Police Department: “Stop the Killing, Start the Healing.” Join us on April 30, when we will be celebrating the life and legacy of Darryl A. Hairston II! The event is from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 7126 Temple Hills Road. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Bowling Brook Farms: Amazon delivered a package that was suppose to come to Stebbing Way. However, it appears Amazon handed my package to a resident at the wrong location. Our daughters recital outfit for school was in that package. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: I need to find a local hair salon or stylist. Any recommendations? (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Leishear Village: Can anyone recommend a company who can install concrete such as for a front step? (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: The neighbor has a guest over who just let his dog out in their unfenced yard without a leash or collar. It's a Loose Whippet/ Greyhound dog, white and tan/brown spots running around Eastgate Lane. (Nextdoor)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox 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