Editor's Voice

By Rochelle Karina

This summer has produced record-breaking heat and humidity throughout the area, and despite the miserable weather, locals haven’t forgotten how to have fun. We’re wrapping up summer with a look back at some of the great activities in and around the area. From our front-page coverage on Bumper Bash to some fun photos of Fourth of July and a guide to the Perseids Meteor Shower, we have the county’s fun moments covered.

We’re stepping into some new territory with a feature on SPHS grad Mike Goepel who is currently hiking the Appalachian Trail. Check back in September for an update! Another new treat is Jackie Kinsella’s touching piece about her volunteer work in Nicaragua. Over in our Arts section, don’t miss the guide to karaoke hot spots (c’mon, you know you want to!) and the promo for Annapolis Artwalk. Severna Park and its surrounds are absolutely alive with opportunities to enjoy the arts!

Of course, it’s time to gear up for back to school with a look at Severna Park High’s Business Advisory Board, the first meeting is coming up in September, and you know I’ll be there! We’ve also got a quick guide for back-to-school shopping, including some Top Ten lists of must-have school supplies. And Sports Reporter Colin Murphy has been keeping busy despite the heat, tracking down some terrific Q&A subjects and a great Grand Prix preview.

Long-time readers may spot a new name or two in our bylines. We’ve been adding to our ranks of freelance writers and photographers, and we are pleased to welcome some of them to their first time in The Voice! If you’re interested in being a part of our team as a writer or photographer, please contact us directly at spvnews@severnaparkvoice.com. We are always thrilled to have new voices!

All of our stories are terrific (of course I feel that way!) but for me, the most exciting thing this month is the kick off of our new web feature, “Meatless Monday!” Check out the preview piece in this issue and head to our web site to see more.

Every Monday, in the Arts & Entertainment section of our web site, our resident vegetarians will post tips, tricks, recipes and reviews all about going meatless. Whether you choose to join the Meatless Monday movement just one day each week, are already a vegetarian, or you’re a die-hard steak fan who happens to have vegetarian friends, you’ll find something interesting in this cool new feature.

The other thing I’m really excited about? Hearing from our readers!

We love it when our readers send in pictures of events they’ve attended, awards their child or team won, and stories of the great stuff going on in this community.

If you’ve got some fabulous summer photos sitting around, don’t be shy! Send them in to us and you never know, your pictures might just appear in our pages or on our web site. And if you happen to see one of our staffers around town, take a moment to say hello!