Guests

My fiance Andrew and I are currently averaging about 10 weddings per year, as guests It's tough being 27, and EXPENSIVE. Anyway, we decided that our favorite weddings were those where we actually got to spend time with the bride and groom. After all, isn't that why we are all there in the first place?  In order to do that, regardless of how close you think you are to the newlyweds, the number of guests you are essentially competing with has to be limited. With this in mind, how on earth do we trim down our 250 person “wish list”?

Baltimore County Public Schools' Superintendent S. Dallas Dance will be the featured guest of a Newsmaker Forum sponsored by the Baltimore Sun on Thursday, Sept. 13, beginning at 7 p.m. at the new George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology, 938 York Road, Towson. The forum, which is open to the public, will be moderated by Sun Maryland Voices editor Andrew Green. The event will feature a discussion with Dance about education issues, including those central to Baltimore County Public Schools, as well as opportunities for the public to ask questions of Dance.

An article in the Sept. 13, 1962, edition of The Herald Argus recognized a local family's timely arrival that earned them a part in celebrating a milestone in the number of visitors to national parks. As Paul Geiman and his family of Catonsville entered the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park during their August vacation tour, they were greeted by Superintendent Lemuel A. Garrison , who informed them they had been selected to participate in special symbolic ceremonies in observance of the National Park Service Billionth-Visitor Day. Mr. and Mrs. Geiman , their daughter, Jane , 15, and her friend, Adele Weetenkamp , 15, also of Catonsville, were extended complimentary lodgings and meals by the Yellowstone Park Company and were presented appropriate gifts and souvenirs by the concessioners in Yellowstone National Park.

Wedding day: Aug. 25, 2012 The bride: Nikki Addison Hart, 24, grew up in Gaithersburg. She is an Under Armour sports marketing customer sales representative. Her father, Scott Addison, is vice president of finance for Fitzgerald Auto Mall. Her mother, Ann Addison, is vice president of human resources at Lockheed Martin. The groom: Jeff Hart, 25, grew up in Beaverdam, Va. He is regional sales manager for Centric Business Systems. His father, Mac Hart, is a clinical psychologist in Richmond, Va. His mother, Louise Hart, is a retired Beaverdam special-education teacher.

Whether it was a rooftop deck party equipped with a DJ and an elaborate brunch theme or a hotel hall transformed into a swanky viewing room, those lucky enough to have downtown digs along the Grand Prix race track entertained friends and family with private, upscale parties. Forget the metal bleachers at the track. These parties provided breathtaking views, catered treats and offered endless libations. The view from Melisa Herbert's downtown apartment building's rooftop deck was the perfect vantage point for her guests to watch race cars zoom past on Greene Street.

Friday night's food truck rally will go on rain or shine, organizers say. The Gathering is back at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, which has a nice big pavilion to eat under in case things get wet. Almost 20 food trucks are expected to attend this time.  The special attraction this time -- they're giving away a food-truck visit. Guests at the Gathering will enter the contest by texting to a number that will be posted on the food trucks. The winner, who will be randomly chosen at 9 p.m., will be able to have the truck of their choice show up at their home or office.

The Gathering returns to the Baltimore Museum of Industry this Friday. Almost 20 food trucks are expected to attend this time. But here's the big attraction. They're giving away a food-truck visit. Guests at the Gathering will enter the contest by texting to a number that will be posted on the food trucks. The winner, who will be randomly chosen at 9 p.m., will be able to have the truck of their choice show up at their home or office. That's all according to Damian Bohager, who's been organizing the rallies.

Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake was a frequent guest on national television news programs in July.  The mayor was featured three times nationally -- twice on CNN and once on the CBS Evening News -- and one time internationally -- on BBC -- during the month.  Her first appearance came July 2 on CNN after the fast-moving derecho storm rocked Baltimore, leaving many powerless during a week of blistering heat.  "We're going to...

[ Editor's note: This is IndyCar driver Ryan Hunter-Reay's second blog for The Baltimore Sun. It was written before he won the pole for Sunday's race in Edmonton. To see his introductory post, click here. ]   Welcome back, everyone. It's been a great run lately, three consecutive wins and going for four this weekend in Edmonton. I think the reason behind it is that our team is reaching its potential, to be honest. Early in the season, we knew we were a threat to win races, but we just didn't quite get it done.

Stories of one of the country's most contentious debates over slavery and westward expansion and the Underground Railroad filled the Bel Air library June 23. With more than 50 in attendance, Fergus Bordewich, author of "America's Great Debate," spoke about the about the epic story of the Compromise of 1850, bringing to life during his animated discussion the colorful characters like Daniel Webster and John Colhoon and their stances. Stories included those not found in history books about the longest debate in Congressional history - like the fights that broke out on the Senate floor; the extraordinary political strategies that were at work during this turbulent time in our history; and the untold heroes of the Underground Railroad.