🌱 Hope In Action​ Combats Crime + Laurel Park Coat Drive

Alexis Goring
Updated ·5 min read

Morning, Laurel! Let's get you all caught up to start this Wednesday, January 12 off on an informed note. Here's what's going on today in town.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and not as cold. High: 42 Low: 25.

Here are the top three stories today in Laurel:

  1. The Maryland Hospital Association, overwhelmed by “virtually full” beds due to the ongoing surge of COVID-19 cases, is calling on the general public to protect against the virus by getting vaccinated or boosted, and to maintain precautions such as mask wearing and social distancing. As of Tuesday, the number of Marylanders hospitalized with COVID-19 is close to reaching 3,500. (CBS Baltimore)

  2. The sprint division for Maryland-based fillies and mares will likely look different in 2022. Hello Beautiful and Dontletsweetfoolya, the Laurel Park-based runners who went off the favorite and second favorite in last February’s Grade 3 Barbara Fritchie, are slated to sell at the Keeneland horses of all ages sale which takes place Jan. 11 through Jan. 14. (theracingbiz.com)

  3. Prince George’s County is working on new efforts to curb violence, especially among young people. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said that the county is offering grants up to $50,000 to nonprofits that help keep people away from crime. According to Alsobrooks, this new, anti-crime effort called "Hope in Action” offers youth mentoring, diversion, reentry and employment services. (WTOP)

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Today in Laurel:

  • Loss of Life Partner/Spouse Monthly Morning Group (Virtual): Loss of Life Partner/Spouse Monthly Morning Group is for individuals grieving the death of a spouse or life partner. It will meet on the second Wednesday of the month from January to March 2022. Registration is required for all groups and can be completed by calling 888-501-7077 or emailing griefinfo@chesapeakelifecenter.org. Visit www.hospicechesapeake.org/events for a complete listing of in-person and virtual groups and workshop details. (10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.)

  • Chili Showcase & Local Coat Drive: Kick off the New Year with this 5th annual Chili Showcase & Local Coat Drive at Laurel Park. The event will feature samples of chili, various desserts as well as beer and wine. It will also have a Casino Night, a DJ, an Interactive Photo Booth and door prize drawings every 30 minutes. There will be a cash bar available for beverages other than beer and wine samples. (4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

  • Little Scientists Club at Pongos Learning Lab: It’s SCIENCE TIME in our Little Learner’s Lab! Become a part of the Little Scientist Club, where each week children will become “little scientists” and conduct some of the coolest simple science experiments! Attend this event today in our Little Learner’s Lab here at Pongos Learning Lab and Coder Kids Club located in Crofton, to participate! Register in advance. Perfect for ages 6 and under! *Littles under two years will need one-on-one adult supervision. (6:00 p.m.)

  • Writers' Group: Free Write: Join the PGCMLS Writers' Group and discover new creative writing practices to help inspire and strengthen your craft. Brainstorm with other writers who write flash-fiction, short-stories, novels and poems just like you. Bring a pen, paper, laptop or mobile device and let your inner writer write freely. (6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • City of Laurel - Government: Laurel Library, located on 507 7th Street, is one of the sites that will begin giving out at-home COVID-19 test kits today and Thursday. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: If you pay with cash and get coins back, start keeping your eyes out on the quarters! The United States Mint has unveiled its 1st coin in the American Women Quarters Program that celebrates culturally significant women and their achievements. Check out this beautiful coin honoring Maya Angelou! (Facebook)

  • PGCPS: CEO Dr. Monica Goldson will host a Tele-Town Hall with Prince George’s County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter this evening at 5:30 p.m. to discuss health and safety and the return to in-person learning.(Instagram)

  • City of Laurel - Government: Dole Fresh Vegetables Inc. expanded a voluntary recall of packaged salads containing iceberg lettuce because of a risk of listeria contamination. If you have a bag in your fridge, be sure to check it out! (Facebook)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Arden Pointe: My name is Cathy and I am offering my home cleaning services. I'm willing to work with you on pricing. I can use your cleaning products or I bring my own. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: We have a white, short-haired, medium-large dog in our house right now. Does anyone know who he is? (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. I'll see you soon!

— 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