🌱 Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively In Town + BSU Entrepreneur Program

Alexis Goring
Updated ·5 min read
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Happy Saturday, Laurel! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. Here's everything worth knowing today in town.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 55 Low: 43.

Here are the top four stories in Laurel today:

  1. Famous movie stars Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively made a surprise appearance at the Total Wine in Laurel. This liquor store received the first display of Lively’s newest Betty Buzz mixers. Blake and Ryan checked out the display and met with the store’s team. Total Wine posted photos of the appearance on both its national Instagram account and its local store’s page. (Russian Machine Never Breaks)

  2. Due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, the University of Maryland at College Park decided to cancel all winter commencement activities, including the main graduation ceremony scheduled for Dec. 20. Regarding this decision, University President Darryll J. Pines said, “our first responsibility must continue to be the health and well-being of our community. All winter graduates will be invited to the spring ceremony in May.” The cancellation also applies to all college, school and department ceremonies scheduled for Dec. 21 and Dec. 22. (WTOP)

  3. Jockey Jorge Ruiz notched four wins on the day, and Sola Dei Gloria Stable’s Bustoff completed a daily double for teenage riding sensation Charlie Marquez and trainer Hugh McMahon with his front-running triumph in Thursday’s feature race at Laurel Park. A 6-year-old Maryland-bred Haynesfield gelding, Bustoff ($7.40) completed one mile in 1:38.96 over a fast main track to win the third-level optional claiming allowance for 3-year-olds and up by 3 ½ lengths. Thursday marked the return of live racing to Laurel after missing the first two weekends of December due to maintenance of the main track. (laurelpark.com)

  4. Bowie State University’s College of Business and Rhodes University School of Business in South Africa are developing a new course module to equip business students of both universities with a global entrepreneurial perspectives and technology skills to guide the development and growth of small business ventures. The Entrepreneurial and Technological Empowerment Program (ETEP) will introduce students to digital and financial technologies, project management, and business development skills. It will empower the students to assist rural and emerging businesses and cooperatives in marginalized communities.(Bowie State)

Today in Laurel:

  • Laurel Dutch Country Farmers Market—Open on 9701 Fort Meade Road (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

  • Public Food Distribution—Join Prayer Tower Bible Way Apostolic Faith in serving the 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. (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)

  • Family Holiday Concert—Attend this event at the Jim Rouse Theatre in Columbia and enjoy the marvelous sounds of the holiday season. Sing Christmas carols, watch highlights from The Nutcracker with our friends from Dance Connections, sing Hanukkah songs, and other family-friendly favorites during this special time. (1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

  • Holiday Tunes with the Victorian Carolers — Enjoy this special event at the Towne Centre in Laurel! (1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.)

  • Winter Hayride — Come join us for a magical winter hayride around the farm. Afterwards, kids can make reindeer food while adults warm up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee or cider. It costs $10 a ticket (age 2 or older). This ticket includes either a bag of reindeer food, or a hot beverage. (2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

  • Christmas Craft Party —All are welcome to attend this event at Christ Reformed Presbyterian Church in Laurel. Children under 8 should attend with a parent or teen helper. Please RSVP to Joan Hull. (3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)

  • The Wonder of Christmas— Church of the Epiphany in NW DC will host this event! TCS will once again perform its popular and signature Christmas concert. The singers will be joined by the Commonwealth Brass, organ, and percussion for a program featuring carols, motets, and larger works guaranteed to put you and your family in the holiday spirit. The one-hour concert will be performed without intermission and will be limited to 125 attendees. Live streaming will be available. (5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Prince George’s County Police: Our Division VI officers joined Lighthouse Ministries International for a food giveaway to assist families this holiday season. (Instagram)

  • City of Laurel - Government: Mayor Craig A. Moe presented the Living Hope Church in Laurel with a check provided by ARPA funds so they can continue the good work they are doing to feed the hungry during the pandemic. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: Take a look at this armed robbery suspect and if you recognize him, call Laurel Police. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: The wreaths for the Wreaths Across America ceremony outside the Laurel Municipal Center at 8103 Sandy Spring Road have arrived. Be sure to tune in for a LIVE broadcast on the City of Laurel government Facebook page at 11 am on Saturday, Dec 18th as we honor our fallen veterans. (Facebook)

  • City of Laurel - Government: There are two options for people to get vaccinated before Christmas. Flyers are available in English and Spanish to share with the community. (Facebook)

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