🌱 Mask Mandate Undermined Democracy, Op-Ed Says + Navy Soccer Player May Go Pro

Hello again, Anne Arundel County! These are the most important things going on around Annapolis today.

First, upcoming weather:

• Monday: Colder; windy this morning. High: 34 Low: 22.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and very cold. High: 27 Low: 23.

Here are the top stories in Annapolis today:

1. Polar Bear Plunge events at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis postponed due to rising COVID cases (Capital Gazette)
2. Gamblers win $16.5 million during Maryland's first month of sports betting (wmar2news.com)
3. OPINION: It's About Democracy, Not Mask Mandates (Eye On Annapolis)
4. Nocita Set to Virtually Attend 2022 MLS SuperDraft - Naval Academy Athletics (NavySports.com)
5. Here's where you can get a free COVID-19 test this week (wmar2news.com)

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From my notebook:

• Anne Arundel County Public Schools (AACPS): "Millersville Elementary, Ms. Elfring's art class - This is their the Wall of Positivity made by 5th graders to express inspirational messages." (Facebook)
• Visit Annapolis: "PSA- We can't stop posting #SnowDay photos - there are just too many good ones out there! 📸 Jarvin Photography #visitannapolis #landscapephoto #snow #statepark #travel #weekends #getaway #visitmaryland" (Facebook)
• The City Of Annapolis: "After the holidays, remove all lights, garland and decorations from your tree before setting it out for yard trim. Any tree taller than 6 feet should be cut in half. #AnnapolisRecycles AnnapolisRecycles.com" (Facebook)
• Former Mayor Michael Pantelides: "Anne Arundel County Grants for Independent Artists Opening January 10th - Eye On Annapolis : Eye On Annapolis #Annapolis Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation https://www.eyeonannapolis.net/2022/01/anne-arundel-county-grants-for-..." (Facebook)
• Ward One Residents Association - Annapolis: "From Naptown Scoop: Annapolis City Council meeting: On the agenda for tonight's City Council meeting: * Fire sprinkler systems * Mooring ball permits * Water and sewer connections * Leasing utility poles for cellular antennas * Aggressiv..." (Facebook)

Coming up in Annapolis:

Tuesday, January 11

• Chair tai chi with Young Lee (10:30 AM)
• Estate sale and Thrift store m-thur 1-4pm sat 7-11am cash only (1:00 PM)
• Gallery 57 West January Meet the Artists (5:03 PM)

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Events:

• White Stone Ceremony (January 10)
• Master Your Emotions for Successful New Year Resolutions in 2022 (January 11)
• FREE Homeschool Martial Arts Class (January 14)
• [Webinar] Roof Replacement 101: Everything You Need to Know (January 15)
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For sale:

• 2017 Honda Pilot Touring Sport Utility (Details)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you soon for another update.

— Jacob Baumgart

About me: Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or concerns. Follow me on Twitter @jacobbaumgart to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news. Being a lifelong Marylander gives me deep ties and a unique insight into the communities I cover. I graduated from the University of Delaware in May 2020 with a degree in media communication and minors in journalism and political science. Before joining Patch that June, I wrote for FOX Sports, The Delaware News Journal and The Philadelphia Inquirer. I also led my college newspaper, The Review, as editor-in-chief, during my senior year. I am now excited to embrace Patch and cover the communities I grew up in!