Odenton-Severn, MD|News|
(Updated) User Gallery: The Aftermath
Here are pictures from local residents, showing the damage of Hurricane Irene.

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.
Here are pictures from local residents, showing the damage of Hurricane Irene.

The utility sent out a message Friday morning warning about potential widespread power outages.
The pictures capture the man who allegedly robbed CVS with a handgun Thursday morning.
We offer hurricane survival tips from FEMA after Gov. Martin O'Malley told Maryland residents to prepare for the worst.
Police say the local store was robbed around 4 a.m.
Patch was in attendance to get a first-look at Pershing Hill Elementary School, the newest school at Fort Meade, featuring interactive white boards in every classroom and a rock-climbing wall.
Patch was in attendance to get a first-look at Pershing Hill Elementary School, the newest school at Fort Meade, featuring interactive white boards in every classroom and a rock-climbing wall.
Chad McCormick takes over in his first year as the Patriots' Head Football Coach and hopes to lead the team to its 13th straight playoff season.
No injuries, little damage reported after the 5.8 magnitude quake.
The 30-second earthquake was felt as far as Toronto and centered near Richmond, VA.
After quenching the flames of a house fire on Telegraph Road, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department is getting a bit of thanks from David and Jennifer Moore.
A single image can capture how Severn and the local area has been affected by the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Hundreds of children rose early and marched into their respective schools Tuesday morning, ranging from kindergarden to high school freshmen.
Chad McCormick takes over in his first year as the Patriots' Head Football Coach and hopes to lead the team to its 13th straight playoff season.
Mike correctly identified this week's photo for Where In Severn.
A look back at the week in news.
"Don't blink. It goes by like that," says Upper Marlboro resident.
The Christian Assistance Food Pantry in Severn has seen an increase in families, especially from Glen Burnie, coming for food this summer.
Be humble and have fun—but not too much fun—are among the lessons learned.
Want to fill up without going broke? Hit up these local stations.