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The Laurel Museum is collecting artifacts and stories for its upcoming exhibit on the Laurel Racetrack, "And They're Off!: 100 Years at Laurel Park." The exhibit will debut at the museum in February 2011.

Lindsey Baker, executive director of the Laurel Historical Society, said the main purpose of the exhibit is to show how the racetrack has affected Laurel residents and businesses over the years. People who want to donate items or share their stories do not need to have a direct tie to the racetrack, Baker said.

"They didn't have to necessarily work there, live near there or bet there or anything like that," she said.

Baker said the museum has already collected several items from the 1940s and 50s and would appreciate donations from other time periods.

"We're kind of struggling with the earlier or the later stuff," she said.

To make a contribution or learn more about the exhibit, visit the museum at 817 Main St. or call 301-725-7975. Donations may be given to the museum permanently or loaned just for the exhibit.

Patuxent Research Refuge plans duck stamp celebration

The Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel will celebrate the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2010-2011 Federal Duck Stamp from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the refuge, located at 10901 Scarlet Tanager Loop.

Activities will include children's art and craft activities, a live waterfowl display and information on waterfowl research. Waldorf artist Robert Bealle, the creator of the winning stamp, will also be honored in a brief ceremony.

Nell Baldacchino, visitor services manager at Patuxent, said it is rare for a Maryland resident to win the annual art contest.

"He's the first one in 44 years," she said.

The stamp is sold at some post offices, but it is not used to send mail, Baldacchino said.

"It's not a mailing stamp," she said. "It's actually a hunting permit and a collectors' item."

The duck stamp contest started in the 1930s to fund relief efforts at U.S. wetlands that were suffering from years of drought. Proceeds from the stamp, which now costs $15, still go toward wildlife preservation, Baldacchino said.

For more information on the stamp celebration, contact Baldacchino at 301-497-5766.

Laurel residents graduate from Salisbury University

Seven Laurel-area residents were among nearly 1,500 people who received bachelor's and graduate degrees from Salisbury University.

The graduates and their respective degrees are: Daniel Brown, Bachelor of Arts, history; Patrick Henehan, Bachelor of Arts, communication arts; Michael Meehan, Bachelor of Science, management; Kevin Dooley, Bachelor of Science, chemistry; Sherie Mitchell, Bachelor of Arts, communication arts, cum laude; Adam Smith, Bachelor of Science, finance and management, magna cum laude; and Phong Trinh, Bachelor of Arts, psychology.

City prepares for National Night Out

The city of Laurel will celebrate National Night Out 2010 Tuesday with family activities, games and safety demonstrations from police, fire and rescue crews. National Night Out is an event held around the country that promotes police and community programs, such as drug prevention initiatives and town watch organizations, in an effort to fight crime and keep residents safe.

The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Granville Gude Park, 7901 Cypress St. For more information, contact Pfc. Theresa Kelliher at 301-498-0092.

Resident's nephew completes basic training

Army Pfc. Moses Opoku-Boateng graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.

The nine-week training program included study of the Army mission, history, tradition and core values, physical fitness, and instruction and practice in combat skills, weapon use and chemical warfare.

Opoku-Boateng is the nephew of Nana Twum-Boateng of Laurel.

Trampoline and tumbling team win at national competition

The Fairland Trampoline and Tumbling Team, which trains year-round at the Fairland Sports and Athletic Complex in Laurel, earned four gold, two silver and two bronze medals at the USA Gymnastics 2010 Trampoline and Tumbling Junior Olympic National Championships, held in Virginia Beach, Va., from June 27 to July 2. Stephanie Van Albert won the national title for level 10 in the individual trampoline round and also took home a bronze medal for synchronized trampoline. Level 10 is the highest level of competition in the Junior Olympics.

The other athletes and their respective awards are: Delilah Glidden, gold medal in double mini trampoline and bronze medal in synchronized trampoline; Mary Brown, gold medal in double mini trampoline; Noah Roads, gold medal in tumbling and silver medal in trampoline; and Hana Khan, silver medal in trampoline.

Laurel student named to dean's list at Villanova

Nicholas Donohue of Laurel was named to the dean's list in the Villanova School of Business at Villanova University. Students must be full time and earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 with no missing or non-passing grades to qualify for the honor.

Villanova is a four-year, Catholic liberal arts school located in Villanova, Pa.

Donohue will begin his sophomore year in the fall.

Resident's son receives aviation safety award

Navy Seaman recruit Kenneth J. Roccapriore, son of Michelle L. Roccapriore of Laurel and Mark J. Roccapriore of Odenton has received the 2009 Admiral Flatley Memorial Award for aviation safety.

Roccapriore is assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan, which had no mishaps in 2009 and safely completed more than 4,000 hours of flight operations and more than 5,000 hours of shipboard landings.

Roccapriore is a 2008 graduate of Arundel Senior High School in Gambrills. He joined the Navy in December 2007.

Laurel residents earn degrees from music college

Two Laurel residents were among more than 850 students who received degrees this spring from Berklee College of Music in Boston. The commencement ceremony was held at Boston University's Agganis Arena.

Jimmy Gonzales received a degree in music business and management and music production and engineering and Sam Kim of Laurel earned a degree in professional music.