It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Baltimore, MD is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very”
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone in my circle of friends and family”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and people. An evaluation was performed the same day I called about needing the service. They are very sensitive to your needs and follow through to make sure they are met in to the highest degree.”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us with sitting services for my father in a dementia facility after his return from a hospitalization but they have really gone above and beyond. She has been an amazing resource and really cares about helping people. I am a nurse myself and so impressed with how proactive and helpful she has been, far beyond just sitting services. Very appreciated and much needed. I would absolutely recommend using her and her company to help you and your loved ones.”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the senior care industry, Always Best Care has been known to go above and beyond when it comes to working with, and educating families on options and resources. I am always happy to work with them, knowing they will provide the best care and options for the families they serve!”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute we reached out to Haley, the owner of ABC, we have received excellent service. Haley responded to all of our concerns and has gone above and beyond to be sure our loved one has what is needed. Haley and her team at ABC were able to set up care for our loved one on very short notice. Working with Haley has made a difficult situation much easier to navigate. I would highly recommend Always Best Care. THANK YOU!”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly recommend!!!”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband was diagnosed with cancer. It was a diagnosis that came out of left field. It left them reeling with every unknown when they were told it had developed and progressed rapidly. I called a friend, who lives in my home state, to ask if she knew of any companies that could not only provide health care services to my PA friends, but be ready to do so without delays. She referred me to Haley Davis with Always Best Care Senior Services. I called as soon as I hung up. I left a voicemail, and received a call from Haley within 10 minutes. Providing as much detail and information as I could, I was assured they would be able to provide different levels of care as they were needed. She also said that I, or any member of my friends’ family, could call her if we needed anything. Today my PA friend said she emailed Always Best Care Senior Services last night. Later today I heard that Haley responded, and services were put into place. The absolute last thing anyone should have to be concerned about when they are emotionally overwhelmed and physically depleted from a devastating disease is dealing with automated phone systems, reaching the correct departments, filing requests in triplicate, and being told they’ll be put on a waiting list. Absolute Best Care Senior Services is just what the name says. They aren’t just able to provide the services that will be needed, they provide the peace of mind that allows their clients to focus on themselves. That’s what caring and compassion are about. I don’t think I could ever express my gratitude. Thank you.”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day we got in touch with Haley Davis, the owner/president of Always Best. She came to our home (within hours) on her day off. Had rented a wheelchair, reserved transportation to get our mom home, set up a nurse assessment and RN in-home care within 24 hrs! Our family couldn't be more pleased and appreciative of Haley and her team... class act!”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as she left rehab. Very flexible with scheduling and hours. Competitive pricing. I would recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my Mom’s heart surgery. Haley, Erin and Rebecca were all fabulous, super responsive and extremely professional and knowledgeable. We don’t know what we would have done without them. We very highly recommend them!”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been incredible! I love the communication, the dedication and consistency to helping others. Meeting new clients/patients is exciting and gives me purpose! Knowing I can be assistance to help others that need just a bit extra is an amazing feeling! This company is like a family as well as our clients. We treat everyone with the dignity and care that everyone should be entitled to. Despite being employed with the company, I would still offer these services to friends and family! :)”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very caring and compassionate. This is is the group that you should consider for any of your loved ones assistance! Highly recommend them!!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Druid Hill Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Charleston or visit Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Baltimore, MD, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Baltimore, MD understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Baltimore, MD 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Baltimore is home to a variety of internet options for residents seeking reliable and affordable service. With the city’s mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, internet availability and quality can vary by location. Several major providers compete in the area, offering different technologies and pricing.For those looking to save money, providers like T-Mobile, Verizon Fios, Xfinity and Hughesnet stand out for their budget-friendly plans and wide coverage. These providers have made a name for themselves by delivering dependabl...
Baltimore is home to a variety of internet options for residents seeking reliable and affordable service. With the city’s mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, internet availability and quality can vary by location. Several major providers compete in the area, offering different technologies and pricing.
For those looking to save money, providers like T-Mobile, Verizon Fios, Xfinity and Hughesnet stand out for their budget-friendly plans and wide coverage. These providers have made a name for themselves by delivering dependable service and competitive rates. Each offers unique features, from fast fiber connections to satellite coverage for hard-to-reach areas. Understanding the best cheap internet providers in Baltimore helps residents make informed choices about staying connected at home, work and school.
Baltimore’s internet market features several well-known providers that offer a range of plans for different budgets. The most prominent options include T-Mobile, Verizon Fios, Xfinity and Hughesnet.
Based on starting internet plan prices, the providers rank as follows:
These rankings are based on published plan costs and the availability of entry-level options. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Hughesnet uses satellite technology to deliver internet service across Baltimore, including areas where wired connections may be limited. It is often a choice for residents in suburban or rural locations outside the city center. Hughesnet’s plans offer consistent speeds but come with data limits, which can affect monthly usage for streaming or heavy downloads. The company’s pricing is generally higher due to the technology and equipment involved.
Here’s a quick look at Hughesnet provider plan options in Baltimore:
Read our full Hughesnet review.
*Equipment lease or purchase fees extra. Monthly fee reflects the applied $5 savings for electronic payments. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply.
Xfinity is a well-known cable internet provider in Baltimore, delivering service to many homes and apartments. It offers a range of plans with varying speeds and prices. Xfinity’s lowest-cost plan is suitable for basic browsing and streaming, while higher-tier plans support larger households and heavier usage.
Here’s a quick look at Xfinity provider plan options in Baltimore:
*The plans and prices above are based on ZIP code 21218. Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Price may include Autopay and paperless billing discounts. Speeds may vary.
Verizon Fios provides fiber-optic internet service to many Baltimore neighborhoods. Fiber-optic technology delivers fast speeds, low latency and strong reliability, making it popular with households that stream video, work from home or play online games. Verizon offers several plan options at different price points.
Here’s a quick look at Verizon Fios provider plan options in Baltimore:
*Auto-pay and paperless billing discount included. Prices and plan offerings vary by location and are subject to change.
Deciding between Xfinity and Verizon Fios? Check out our Verizon Fios vs. Xfinity guide.
T-Mobile offers home internet via its 5G wireless network, which is available across most of Baltimore. The service does not require traditional cables or phone lines and is easy to set up. T-Mobile’s single, flat-rate plan includes equipment and taxes, making it a straightforward choice for budget-conscious users.
Here’s a quick look at T-Mobile provider plan options in Baltimore:
Read our full T-Mobile home internet review.
*Offers and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.
The cheapest ISP in our Baltimore guide is Hughesnet, based on starting prices. However, Hughesnet plans don't include equipment, and if you exceed your data limit, you'll experience slower speeds. Xfinity is the second-cheapest internet provider in our guide. Here are the providers ranked from cheapest to most expensive based on price range:
*Offers and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.
The fastest internet provider in our Baltimore guide is Verizon Fios. Both Xfinity and Verizon Fios offer download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps; however, Verizon Fios plans run on a fiber-optic connection. Fiber plans offer equal download and upload speeds for a fast connection.
Download speeds are important because they impact how quickly you can stream video, download files or use multiple devices at once. Faster speeds are better for households with several users or heavy internet usage.
Here is how the providers rank from fastest to slowest download speeds:
*Offers and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.
Consider these important factors when choosing an internet provider in Baltimore:
Baltimore residents have access to several types of internet connections:
Several providers offer programs to help make internet more affordable. These programs require eligibility and may have application requirements.
*Offers and prices may vary by service area and availability. Actual download and upload speeds vary.
Contributing: Lisa Iscrupe, Hannah Whatley, Allconnect
This article was edited with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. Learn more about Gannett’s AI guidelines and policy here.
Our team of editors independently makes all recommendations. When you buy a product or subscribe to a service through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
New cell phone rules are underway in Baltimore County schools. Updated grading and cursive policies were also announced.BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Three new initiatives will debut this year in Baltimore County Public Schools when classes start next week.In-depth cursive lessons will return to some schools.Families will also get student attendance and grade reports every Friday morning, WBAL-TV and The Baltimore Sun reported."We hope that these reports will help families to support their children's academi...
BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Three new initiatives will debut this year in Baltimore County Public Schools when classes start next week.
In-depth cursive lessons will return to some schools.
Families will also get student attendance and grade reports every Friday morning, WBAL-TV and The Baltimore Sun reported.
"We hope that these reports will help families to support their children's academic progress throughout the school year," BCPS Superintendent Myriam Rogers said at a Tuesday press conference, according to The Sun.
WBAL and The Sun also said cell phone use will now be restricted countywide. Individual schools can give some leeway to middle and high schoolers, The Sun said.
"Essentially (phones are to be) 'off and away' during instructional time," Rogers said, according to WBAL. "I would also, as a former principal, speak directly to parents and say, please, please, please do not call your students during the school day."
The program builds off last year's pilot program that tested restricted phone use.
"We learned that having the phones not far away from the students, where they could get to them if there was an emergency, and build[ing] in certain appropriate times for phone use was a win-win," Rogers said, according to The Sun.
As for cursive, 24 elementary schools will kick off a new pilot cursive writing program beginning on Nov. 3. The pilot starts at the beginning of the second quarter and runs through the end of the 2025 to 2026 school year.
Grades two through four will be included, though individual schools may focus only on one or two specific grades. Educators will learn about the program and how to teach it in October.
Schools that signed up to pilot the cursive writing program are Arbutus, Chadwick, Chapel Hill, Charlesmont, Chatsworth, Dundalk, Halethorpe, Hawthorne, Hebbville, Hernwood, Hillcrest, Middleborough, Middlesex, New Town, Pinewood, Pleasant Plains, Pot Spring, Randallstown, Scotts Branch, Seventh District, Villa Cresta, Vincent Farm, Watershed Public Charter and Woodholme elementaries.
"This pilot is an opportunity to renew the emphasis on cursive writing in our classrooms and explore its benefits more intentionally," Jennifer Craft, executive director for Literacy and Humanities in the BCPS Division of Curriculum and Instruction, said in a press release. "I am excited about the promise this initiative holds for our students."
Cursive never left the curriculum, but it hasn't been emphasized.
Many states dropped formal cursive instruction in 2010 after it was not included in the Common Core State Standards. This year, about half the nation's states require cursive instruction in their public school curricula.
Officials hope the pilot drives increased writing results in areas like note-taking and essay-writing, reinforced spelling and vocabulary proficiency, deeper reading and listening comprehension and a boost to overall writing fluency and academic confidence.
BCPS will evaluate data and first-hand accounts from the pilot to determine whether the program will become a permanent fixture in schools.
"Cursive writing is not just about penmanship; it gives students another powerful tool to grow as confident readers and writers," Craft said. "We are eager to see how this practice will strengthen focus, memory, writing fluency, and communication skills, while reinforcing the literacy foundation that supports long-term academic success."
More details on the cursive initiative are posted here.
LAUREL, Md. — Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is opening a new store in Howard County.The donation center at the new Goodwill store in Laurel is bustling as employees sort through dozens of boxes filled with goods to organize on the showroom floor.They are working to fill shelves and racks in the 22,000 square foot space, the largest location for Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake.The new store comes as Goodwill reports 35% sales increase year-over-year at its top nine stores in Baltimore."I th...
LAUREL, Md. — Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is opening a new store in Howard County.
The donation center at the new Goodwill store in Laurel is bustling as employees sort through dozens of boxes filled with goods to organize on the showroom floor.
They are working to fill shelves and racks in the 22,000 square foot space, the largest location for Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake.
The new store comes as Goodwill reports 35% sales increase year-over-year at its top nine stores in Baltimore.
"I think a lot of it is the economy and uncertainty," said Lisa Rusyniak, the president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake. "People are hanging onto their dollars and trying to make them stretch further."
"We have sports jerseys that you typically pay over $100 or more for but now they’re $25 or so," said Cassandra McKnight, an employee at the Laurel Goodwill.
Secondhand shopping has seen a surge in popularity in just the last couple of years. According to the online consignment store ThredUp, the thrift and resale market in the U.S. is projected to be $59 billion in 2025. In 2028, its projecting it will be worth $73 billion.
"I think the economy has taken its toll on families so they want to get more for their money," said Rusyniak.
23 employees will work at the new location including several inmates from Dorsey Run Correctional Facility.
"They’re on a program where they can come here and work all day and it takes them back to the prison. And then upon release, we’ll probably end up hiring them at our store," said Rusyniak.
There's also the feel-good aspects of secondhand shopping, such as keeping unwanted items out of landfills. Proceeds at all Goodwill stores go into its workforce development program. In 2023, Goodwill opened its Excel Center, an adult high school where people over 21 years old can get their diploma. They had their first graduating class last year.
"We serve anybody who needs help connecting to the labor market," Rusyniak said.
As the grand opening gets closer, employees had advice for shoppers who will be coming in on the first day.
"Plan your day because its such a big store its going to take time to go through the merch and to see what we offer," said McKnight.
"We also have new items and good brands," said Dianeli Cruz. "You guys definitely need to be here on the grand opening."
The grand opening is on September 4 at 10 a.m., at 10350 Guilford Road. The retail and donation center will be opened seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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BALTIMORE —A routine health inspection found the SHOPPERS Mondawmin grocery store couldn't maintain a sufficient supply of hot water, prompting the store to close for a week.Theron Black, a nearby resident, expressed frustration shared by the community."We have no other market in this neighborhood. We need Shoppers to open," Black told 11 News.Black said residents were not informed about the closure, which led to confusion and inconvenience."Our market is closed. We hav...
BALTIMORE —
A routine health inspection found the SHOPPERS Mondawmin grocery store couldn't maintain a sufficient supply of hot water, prompting the store to close for a week.
Theron Black, a nearby resident, expressed frustration shared by the community.
"We have no other market in this neighborhood. We need Shoppers to open," Black told 11 News.
Black said residents were not informed about the closure, which led to confusion and inconvenience.
"Our market is closed. We haven’t really been informed. Everybody is still coming to the market, and now, we have no type of food market at all in our neighborhood," Black told 11 News.
Dr. Marvin "Doc" Cheatham, the president of the Matthew Henson Neighborhood Association, said he has monitored the situation closely. He said the store's closure particularly impacts a community that has limited grocery options.
"I think we have to find a better way of communicating to the neighbors because this is a food desert," Cheatham told 11 News. "You go three blocks south, you're in a food desert, so we have a lot of people who don't have transportation, and that's what makes it a food desert."
Cheatham spent time in the store's parking lot since early Wednesday morning to see how many people went to the store expecting to shop, unaware of the closure.
"I wrote them down, and when I got to 100, I stopped," Cheatham told 11 News. "I'm not exaggerating. It's been basically about a car a minute."
Joyous Jones shared concerns about those who rely on public transportation or who have mobility challenges.
"I'm just inconvenienced a little bit. Can you imagine the people that have to walk? Who have to carry carts? Or, who are getting dropped off here by MTA Mobility to shop?" Jones said.
Residents said they are disappointed they haven't seen or heard from their elected officials on this issue. WBAL-TV 11 News reached out to Councilman James Torrence, D-District 7, for comment and awaits a response.
United Natural Foods Inc. sent a statement Wednesday to 11 News, saying:
"We are temporarily closing our Shoppers Mondawmin store due to a mechanical issue with the store's hot water system. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible so we can continue providing the same high-value shopping experience that Shoppers customers have come to know and expect.
"As soon as we confirm a reopening date, we will update the community. In the meantime, customers are encouraged to shop at nearby Shoppers locations and online for delivery and pickup options: 5600 The Alameda, Baltimore, MD 21239."
Video posted to social media appears to show a cargo ship exploding in the Baltimore Harbor, near where the Baltimore Key Bridge collapsed in March 2024.Witness Jay Steinmetz, who was in a sailboat nearby, told FOX 5 DC that the name of the ship is the MV W Sapphire."We heard a huge explosion," he said. "I thought that they were blowing up part of the bridge, but obviously Icould see after I turned my head that there was a 200-foot plume of smoke over the boat that we'd just seen."He said that because...
Video posted to social media appears to show a cargo ship exploding in the Baltimore Harbor, near where the Baltimore Key Bridge collapsed in March 2024.
Witness Jay Steinmetz, who was in a sailboat nearby, told FOX 5 DC that the name of the ship is the MV W Sapphire.
"We heard a huge explosion," he said. "I thought that they were blowing up part of the bridge, but obviously Icould see after I turned my head that there was a 200-foot plume of smoke over the boat that we'd just seen."
He said that because he was far enough away, the explosion didn't move his sailboat.
Steinmetz said that he was able to hear some of what was going on through an emergency radio he had on board his sailboat. He said that those on board the MV W Sapphire were concerned about further explosions, and that he believes folks onboard got assistance.
"I believe that everybody was fine, and they were able to rescue everybody," he said. "I was able to hear some of that."
He added that "things happen" when asked whether he thought it was a freak accident.
What we know:
According to the Baltimore City Fire Department, they responded to reports of an explosion aboard a commercial vessel in the Patapsco River near the former Key Bridge site on Monday evening.
Firefighters responded by both land and water, including the department’s fireboats. Upon arrival, the fireboat crew located the W-Sapphire, a 751 foot bulk carrier, showing signs of damage consistent with a fire and explosion.
The vessel remained afloat and was being assisted by tug boats, according to officials.
The ship’s crew confirmed that all 23 people on board were accounted for and uninjured.
Officials said that fireboats remained on scene as the Coast Guard and other agencies began their investigation. The vessel will be moved to a designated anchorage area and held there until cleared by the Coast Guard.
Dig deeper:
The BCFD operates the region’s only full-time fireboat capable of responding to not only fires but any maritime emergency on the Chesapeake Bay. The 87-foot John R. Frazier was acquired in 2007 through federal grant funding and supports both the City of Baltimore and the Port of Baltimore.
The backstory:
The March 26, 2024, disaster occurred when the massive container ship Dali lost power and collided with a supporting column of the bridge. Six construction workers, who were repairing potholes at the time, died when the structure crumbled. The collapse brought months-long closures at Baltimore's port and caused severe traffic congestion, issues that persist across the region today.
According to federal investigators, the Maryland Transportation Authority failed to conduct a recommended vulnerability assessment, which could have identified the bridge’s significant risk of collapse due to ship strikes.
Efforts to rebuild the bridge are underway. Officials have announced that the replacement structure will be taller and more resilient to ship impacts. The new design, a cable-stayed bridge—the first of its kind in the state—is estimated to cost more than $1.7 billion and could be completed by 2028.
The original Francis Scott Key Bridge, a 1.6-mile steel span connecting Baltimore’s industrial communities and providing a bypass for downtown traffic, opened in 1977 after five years of construction.
The Source: This story includes information from a witness and previous FOX 5 DC reporting.
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