Editor’s Voice

And...we’re back! Did you miss us? Or did you not even notice we’ve been gone a couple of extra weeks beyond our usual four between issues? The extra time in the summer always gives us a good chance to recharge, catch up on some side projects we’ve neglected, and look forward to the busy season ahead.

Soon enough, we’re going to be looking at students going back to school, homecoming, Halloween and then the holidays. But for right now, let’s take a deep breath and appreciate that it’s still the season of laid-back living.

Speaking of which, we’re asking students from around Severna Park to let us know how they spent their summer. Working with the prompt “My summer was great because…,” tell us why this was a summer you won’t soon forget. We’ll pick our favorite entry, and if it’s yours, you get a $30 gift card to Ledo Pizza and your story will be published in the September issue. Turn to page ## for details.

That said, this issue of the paper is already full of uplifting, inspiring stories of how community members have been spending the summer. Check out the stories about the service projects that youth from local churches undertook on page ##. Or how about the oyster planting undertaken by environmentalists right here in our own waterways? That story is on page ##. Or what about the two local businesses (Fishpaws Marketplace and Homestead Gardens) that came together to benefit University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center? Be sure to check out photos from their wine tasting on page ##.

I also want to give one last shameless plug for the Greater Severna Park and Arnold Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming Shop Local Festival on Saturday, August 18. This event was originally supposed to be held in May, but it had to be rescheduled because of rain. The Voice crew has helped plan this event, and we’re particularly proud of its purpose: to raise awareness of the importance of shopping local and supporting the businesses that make our community a vibrant place. Be sure to stop by Park Plaza between noon and 4:00pm to check out all the activities and learn more.

That’s all for now, but remember that our team is always happy to hear from you. If you ever have story ideas or feedback (for better or worse), be sure to shoot me an email directly at dylan@severnaparkvoice.com.

Until next time, folks. Enjoy the last bit of summer.