Edgewater-Davidsonville|News|
Flower of the Week: Black-Eyed Susan
Local experts explained why these fast-growing, free-flowing plants make a great addition to any flowerbed.

I was born in Tokyo, Japan and did a lot of traveling with my military family until finally landing in Maryland where I've lived the majority of my life. Growing up in Ellicott City, MD, I have an extreme pride for the state, evident in my passion for both the Orioles and the Ravens.
I'm an energetic person who loves adventure and spontaneity, perhaps why I love journalism so much. I'm very active in my church and I enjoy a wide variety of activities including music, sports, smoking a pipe full of cherry vanilla-flavored tobacco, watching European soccer and playing any/every sport possible.
I married my best friend in July 2011, which makes life pretty great too.<br><br><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>As a registered Independent, I believe the answer to most political issues lies in the cooperative effort of both liberal and conservative ideologies. When in a group of predominantly one party, I'll often stray to the other end just to induce healthy discourse. I despise hard-core political polarization, but I must confess, it does make good headlines. I have faith in government, but I do not believe that the answers to many of life's problems lie in it. I'm always up for a civil discussion.<br><br><b>Religion</b><br>Religion is a tricky word. I wouldn't label myself religious, only because of certain connotations that accompany it. I do profess to be a very real, passionate follower of Jesus Christ. However, I may not fit the mold you'd initially expect from someone who labels themselves a "passionate Christian." Christian, after all, means little Christ, and that is exactly what I try to do; mirror a life that correctly represents the life and teachings of Jesus. While I am passionate about my faith, I'm equally excited about engaging in conversations and discussions with people of other backgrounds. I'm as open as you can be when it comes to "religious discourse," and would openly welcome such engagements. <br><b><br>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>
As the new editor for Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch, there's a lot to learn. I'm learned quickly that south county is a vibrant place, full of passionate and alert people ready to impact their communities.
I hope to pick up where Edgewater-Davidsonville Patch left off—continuing to provide the fastest and most in-depth coverage of south county news and events.
I'll soon become an official resident of Edgewater, MD, so please feel free to send me tips on how I can better learn and appreciate this remarkable part of Maryland.
Local experts explained why these fast-growing, free-flowing plants make a great addition to any flowerbed.

The South Maryland youth baseball team had a tournament to remember last week, beating many teams by more than 10 runs.
A brief look back at the week's biggest headlines.
The Crofton Library will host a signing storyteller to teach children American Sign Language and the power of reading on July 10 at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
South River High's youth football camp begins next week, allowing kids as young as 6 to compete on the varsity turf field.
Looking back at all the news that came from last week's storm—from the tragic to the uplifting.
Get an in-depth look at this beautiful home on 733 Harwood Rd. in Davidsonville.
The West/Rhode River's bacteria levels show the local waterways are safe to swim except for one area at Holly Hills.
A mother whose son was in the fatal car accident that killed Kevin O'Brien, is seeking the identity of a man who comforted her child throughout the ordeal last Friday.
Kevin O'Brien's family is accepting food donations ahead of their funeral reception, where more than 500 people are expected to attend.
The South Maryland 10- and 11-year-old team won the District 4 Title thanks to stellar pitching and defensive effort from twins Kyle and Keaton Goetzger.
More than 6,000 Anne Arundel County residents are still without electricity, according to BGE.
An Edgewater woman told police her windows and doors were open because she didn't have electricity.
Army Sgt. Luis Rosa-Valentin, a Maryland resident and Meade High graduate, was severely injured during his second deployment in Iraq.
Do you know where I took this picture in Edgewater or Davidsonville?
Severna Park High School seniors earned just over $13 million in scholarships, according to Anne Arundel County Public Schools.
Across Anne Arundel County, the class of 2012 earned $10 million more than last year's seniors.
Seniors from South River earned $14.6 million, more than any other county school.
Sandy Lohr, 81, sits down with Patch to discuss July 4, World War II and what being an American means to her.
Agnes Cox, 93, sits down with Patch to discuss history, her life and what being an American means to her.