Shout It Out: This Week’s Best in Local Opinion

Patch readers know we’re all about objective news and information. But we also like to get things off our chest and hear from readers about their opinions, too. We have a bevy of great columnists, so if you want to find out what people are talking about in your neck of the woods, read on for this week’s Columns and Community.

Women’s lacrosse coaches at Catonsville colleges say their players should not be required to wear helmets. Their position is that the women’s game is all about strategy and finesse, and helmets could change that. Catonsville Patch lays out the argument.

You may know someone being victimized by domestic violence but not realize it. The results of not heeding the warning signs can be deadly, as parents, victims and advocates told a group at Howard Community College. Savage-Guilford Patch caught the moving testimony on video.

There are few days more anticipated in the life of a Girl Scout than World Thinking Day, a multicultural celebration in which scouts learn about a country’s history, customs and people. Find out how girls learn to realize they are part of something greater than themselves on Elkridge Patch.

There’s nothing like relaxing with a nice glass of wine. Now, you can do that and be confident you’re being kind to the environment. Maryland’s largest winery is making strides in its effort to be earth-friendly, as we find out on Eldersburg Patch.

The Laurel Historical Society celebrates a century at Laurel Park with its latest exhibit: And They’re Off! 100 Years at Laurel Park. The museum brings the park’s rich racing history to life on Laurel Patch.

A standing-room only audience came out to learn about -- and question -- proposed development to one of Ellicott City's public housing complexes. Among the worries: Will families be displaced? Where will everyone park? Learn more on Ellicott City Patch.

Residents in our area have a lot to say about the protests causing turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa. Hear what’s on their minds on Columbia Patch.