BERLIN — In a 12-2 vote, the Maryland State Board of Education ordered the Maryland State Department of Education to create an emergency regulation to draft masking “off ramps” for state public schools.“We can’t mask our children forever … I believe we can update our regs in a way that provides an off ramp for… Read more »
A sports book could be up and running at Ocean Downs Casino soon after the new year. Gov. Larry Hogan said last week he was optimistic about “getting sports betting underway as quickly as possible in time for the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl.” Approximately 67% of Marylanders supported a referendum in 2020 to… Read more »
It was a super busy week at the paper on a short holiday week. Therefore, I am sharing an outstanding article a reader sent in response to last week’s column about my family’s adoption journey. The article, headlined ‘What The Books Didn’t Tell Us,’ was written by Matt Forck and available at adoptivefamilies.com.Many years ago,… Read more »
It’s healthy for all to take a few moments over the weekend to reflect on what brings us gratitude. Among the things, in no particular order, we are thankful for this time of year are the following:•Schools being open for in-person learning. Though students and teachers must wear facial coverings at all times, nearly all… Read more »
Close football games on ThanksgivingAssateague scenery photosNo jacket days in NovemberEasy to understand tech articlesThanksgiving leftoversA personalized autograph in a bookA fountain drink with crushed iceRemembering memorable words of adviceTeens not obsessed with their phonesFriday lunches with my wifeMy son practicing on his drums
It’s beneficial to reflect back in time to see how far we have come. One year ago this week, I was standing on the sidelines of a soccer tournament in northern Delaware when parents received the automated call from the school system informing virtual learning was to take place through the end of the year… Read more »
“I can’t believe your kids are adopted, you never write about it,” a reader recently said. She then inquired why I don’t share more about this fact. She thought being open about my family’s story more often might help others who do not have a smooth route to parenting.Pam and I are open about our… Read more »
It’s always interesting for any business to hear honest customer feedback. The same goes for resort destinations like Ocean City.Tourism folks have always sought feedback from Ocean City visitors, but outreach has been stepped up recently with an independent source conducting about 5,500 interviews with visitors. The data concludes 91% rated the Ocean City experience… Read more »
A Sunday of church, footballFacebook memories of my kidsHanging Christmas lights on a warm dayCommitting to a vacationRavens jerseys in the stands at away gamesAll the breakfast meatsNot having anywhere to go on a stormy dayAvoiding Route 50 this weekA rental house with a heated poolA heavy rocks glassNew art work in the house
An interesting storyline heading into the next budget review in Ocean City will be how officials manage the excessive fund balance that has accumulated in recent years. It must be reduced. Where the excess dollars should be distributed is the question.Ocean City is a financially strong government. It has an experienced administration steering a successful… Read more »