New School Buildings+WSSC Late Fees+Power Walking+Fast Biking

Welcome to the Laurel Daily! Here you will find newsworthy events going on this week, including breaking ground on six new school construction projects in this county, help for customers who are struggling to pay their water bill, power walking and bike riding events.

Weather Report:

Today, the weather will be mostly sunny, very hot and humid. Temperatures will reach a high of 94 degrees.

Here are the top two stories in Laurel today:

1. Officials and students broke ground on a new Walker Mill Middle School on Monday, one of six school projects that will begin construction this week in Prince George’s County. The middle school is the first of six new schools intended to address aging buildings, growing enrollment and a middle school seat deficit. The new construction projects are part of the county’s Blueprint Schools initiative. Ceremonies will follow through Wednesday with events at Adelphi Middle School on Monday, Drew-Freeman and Kenmoor middle schools on Tuesday and Hyattsville Middle School and Southern Area K-8 Academy on Wednesday. (WTOP)

2. The region’s largest water utility, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC), is once again adding late fees to overdue bills, but the agency says help is available for customers who are still having financial difficulties. Luis Maya, a spokesperson with the WSSC, said customers can get help in a number of ways, starting with a payment plan. Low-income assistance for people that may qualify will be offered, as well as a water fund that can provide up to $500 for people to pay their bills. (WTOP)

Today in Laurel:

• Power Walking – This event is for people ages 13 and older. It will take place at Fairland Regional Park and registration is required via pgparksdirect.com. (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.)
• Public Food Distribution – Serving our 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 may call (240)583-0996 to get involved. (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
• Webinar | Profiles in Health Promotion – Attend this webinar to learn more about the profession of health promotion and how you can make an impact by encouraging others to adopt healthier lifestyles. You will learn about: ways to turn your passion for health and wellness into a fulfilling career helping others, growing career opportunities in population health, the unique curriculum based on best practices in health promotion with a focus on integrative health, MUIH’s philosophies on health and healing, and more! (4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Fairland Advanced Ride – Join this social distanced ride for 10-12 miles, traveling at an average of 9-10 mph. This ride is more for intermediate/advanced riders due to the fast pace. About Fairland: 95% non-technical ride with few major climbs and no mandatory obstacles (they all have ride-arounds). No rocks. If you have a good amount of rides under your belt and can average 8 mph or better on single track trails, and take small breaks, then you will probably will be able to attend this riding event. (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
• Kidz Pick – Experience a perfect mixture of excitement, creativity and fun-filled activities. Each day the schedule will include Krafty Kids, Amazing Artists, Spectacular Sports, Great Games, Science Superstarz, and Nifty Naturalist. Lunch will be provided to all campers. Camp will follow HCRP Summer Camp COVID safety policies. Contact Ovan Shortt for more info at 410-313-1693 or via email, oshortt@howardcountymd.gov. (7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.)
• Renewal 2121 – Inspired by the annual cherry blossom season and utilizing the power of creative technology, Renewal 2121 seeks to inspire hope amid a global pandemic and concerns of climate change. Transporting attendees 100 years into the future, it immerses you in an industrial city where nature fights to survive amid an overdeveloped metropolis. ARTECHOUSE presents this original production from its Creative Team with visual design by Yuya Takeda. (10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

Laurel Patch Notebook:

• Laurel TV is looking for a part-time reporter (Details here)
• Jobs in Laurel (Details here)

Now you’re all caught up with the local news and events for today!

If you want to reach me with news about the City of Laurel, send an email to me at this address (laurel@patch.com) and include “Laurel News” in the subject line of your message.

Before you go, let me tell you a bit about me since my newsletter will arrive to your inbox on a daily basis. 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 reporter for years in the media industry.

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.

I’m looking forward to bringing you all the latest news on a daily basis.

Stay safe and enjoy the day!