Arbutus|News|
Toaster's Tribute to Poet Edgar Allan Poe May Be 'Nevermore'
The unusual annual ritual honoring the master of the macabre may have run its course.

Trained as an EMT/paramedic, Bruce has been in the Arbutus area since 1982 and received his bachelor's degree from UMBC.
Bruce was a regular contributor to <i>Baltimore</i> magazine for many years, and was previously editor of <i>Maryland</i> magazine. He has written for <i>USA Today</i>, <i>Washington Post</i>, <i>Baltimore Sun</i>, NPR's <i>All Things Considered</i>, <i>American Health</i>, <i>Harper's</i>, and numerous other publications. He has also produced seven health reference books.<b> <br></b>
<b>Your Beliefs</b><br>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.<br><br><b>Politics </b><br>I'm not particularly partisan, but I tend to take the side of ordinary people.<br><br><b>Religion</b><br><i>How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)</i>
Raised in a Jewish family, and still love the food and customs. But a practicing atheist.
<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br><i>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?</i>
1. Infrastructure. Our roads, bridges and rails are crumbling.
2. Prudent commercial and residential development that creates jobs and promotes growth but doesn't spoil the character of the community.
3. Supporting and enhancing effective teaching in our public schools and at the university and college level.
The unusual annual ritual honoring the master of the macabre may have run its course.

Arbutus Patch editor, local author, wonders if it's his fault
The pursuit of the unusual decades-long tribute may have led to its demise. I can't help but feel it's my fault.
The pursuit of the unusual, decades-long tribute may have led to its demise. I can't help but feel it's my fault.
Celebrants gather to observe the birthday of Edgar Allan Poe
Highlights of recent law enforcement activity in Southwest Baltimore County.
MD Comptroller rejects new taxes to resolve state budget crisis.
MTA report lists communication, equipment and management failures that led to June 21 breakdown that left 1,200 riders abandoned in sweltering heat.
Guest reader Mike Bowler, former Baltimore Sun education reporter and current county school Board of Education member, greeted by cheering Relay Elementary students.
Guest reader Mike Bowler, former Sunpapers education reporter and current county school Board of Education member, greeted by cheering Relay Elementary students.
Suspects sought in addition to teenager charged with murder