🌱 Soul Soup + County Extends Mask Mandate + Free COVID Test Kits

Alexis Goring
Updated ·7 min read

Morning, neighbors! It's me again, Alexis Goring, your host of the Laurel Daily.

First, today's weather:

Rain, then snow, 1-2". High: 36 Low: 14.

Here are the top three stories in Laurel today:

  1. Prince George's Community College was included on a list of programs assessed for 2022 by Intelligent.com, which is a resource for online/on-campus program rankings and higher education planning. Researchers compared 704 programs from 2,900 universities and colleges across the United States and PGCC made the list! The research identifies programs in the nation based on flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. (Press Release Desk)

  2. Prince George’s County officials will distribute at-home rapid COVID-19 tests at several locations this week. The COVID-19 test kits are free but residents will be required to show proof of county residency to receive a test kit. One test kit, containing two tests, will be distributed per person ages 2 years or older who are present at the time of pick-up. (WJLA)

  3. The Prince George’s County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to extend the county’s COVID-19 emergency declaration, and its mask mandate for indoor public spaces, to March 9. The declaration encourages — but does not require — people to wear properly fitting N95 or KN95 masks, or cloth masks over surgical masks. It also encourages people to complete their vaccine series, including boosters.(WTOP)

From our sponsor:

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Today in Laurel:

  • Soup For The Soul | Laurel Beltsville Senior Activity Center —Soup is the common meal in many countries and dates back to the invention of the earliest cooking pots. Let’s celebrate Soup for the Soul by receiving a bowl with a spoon, and two delicious cans of soup and crackers from one of our listed senior centers. (12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

  • Cupid's Kids: Valentines for Seniors — Palisades Library is collecting handmade Valentine’s Day cards for DC's homebound seniors. DCPL 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.)

  • Laurel Park Racing — Attend this event in Laurel (12:50 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.)

  • Family Fun Day — Museum of the Bible has a special day planned for families today! Enjoy hands-on activities at our Education Station and special presentations from our living history interpreters. Please Note: Guests do not need to be vaccinated or show proof of vaccination to visit the museum. However, to attend this event or enjoy seated dining, unvaccinated guests must have a medical or religious exemption and show a negative test within the last 24 hours. (1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

  • The Many "Mrs. Maisels": A History of Jewish Women Comedians — Jewish humor comes by its subversiveness honestly: Jewish theology and culture encourage us to constantly question authority. Male Jewish comedians in twentieth-century America have famously demonstrated these subversive tendencies through their socially and politically critical comedies. This presentation argues that Female Jewish comedians in 20th century America have demonstrated the same level of subversive tendencies but in markedly different ways. This session will examine the history of rule-breaking, paying special attention to pioneers like Sophie Tucker, Fanny Brice, Joan Rivers, Elayne Boosler, and Sarah Silverman. (5:00 p.m.)

  • Soca Bounce Fitness Class — Soca Bounce is a 45 minute high-intensity, low impact cardio burn session utilizing Kangoo Jumps boots (boot rental included in class fee). In-studio and/or outdoor fitness classes are all choreographed to the ever growing genre of Soca and other Caribbean genres. The rebound boots are designed to absorb up to 80 percent of the pressure (impact) off your joints (hips, knees and back) while improving balance, core strength, and promoting an increase in metabolism and endurance. Current class schedule is Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. in Upper Marlboro and Thursdays at 6:15 p.m. in Bowie. (6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.)

  • The Turkish Embassy In Washington D.C. presents The Ertegün Jazz Concert — What is the legacy of Ahmet Ertegün? The tremendous cultural impact that Ahmet Ertegün had on music can be felt not only in Washington D.C. or Turkey but around the world. Ahmet Ertegün paved the way for many of America’s most renowned jazz musicians to become globally successful artists through his label, Atlantic Records. The Embassy of Turkey will host a jazz concert to commemorate the larger-than-life contributions that he made to American culture. You will not receive your ticket from Eventbrite. Your attendance is confirmed once you receive an email from washingtondc@yee.org.tr (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

  • Marcus Johnson at Blues Alley Club — What better way to start your new year than with a new Flo! Marcus Johnson and Friends are back at the Legendary Blues Alley for eight shows. While pursuing his JD and MBA at Georgetown, he independently produced and distributed his first CD (Lessons in Love), which sold more than 40,000 units; a phenomenal success for an unknown independent artist’s debut release. This album helped him launch his career as a renowned jazz keyboardist/pianist, and later, he released his second CD (Inter Alia), with staggering success! (8:00 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Bowling Brook Farms: Can someone recommend a good dermatologist specializing in sudden hair loss in women? Preferably in the Laurel, Fulton or Columbia area. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, North Laurel Road: Need an electrician or someone who knows how to replace an old light fixture with this new one. Will pay and need this done on Saturday. Located near Whiskey Bottom North Laurel! Call: 240-305-7412 (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Montpelier: You can order free rapid COVID-19 test kits through the government at the following website www.covidtests.gov. A total of four test kits can be ordered per household. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Stone Lake: The Postal Service is delivering one shipment of four COVID tests per residential address. Apply for this on http://www.usps.com/covidtest and request a shipment. (Nextdoor)

  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Russett, Neighborhood 12A: Hi Russett Neighbors! I have worked for a small biotechnology company, BioServe/Reprocell, since 1993. We are currently looking for an administrative assistant for our accountant. (Nextdoor)

  • Charlene J Baxter, Neighbor: Good afternoon Laurel,I don't know if my "Cry for Help" is the kind of story you want to read, but I don't know where else to turn. I was hoping that someone out there would read my story and tell me where to get help.I am homeless. (Patch)

  • Kirstyn F., Neighbor: Hello Laurel residents,My name is Kirstyn. If you're seeking a reading or writing tutor for your elementary, middle, or high school student, I would love to offer my services at a rate of $30/hour. (Patch)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with 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