Odenton-Severn, MD|News|
9-Year-Old Girl Finishes 4th in Youth Triathlon
Lauren Greenhill, a fourth-grader from Ridgeway Elementary, completed the mini-triathlon in just 30 minutes.

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.
Lauren Greenhill, a fourth-grader from Ridgeway Elementary, completed the mini-triathlon in just 30 minutes.

A summary of the summer solstice, and what occurs globally to make today the longest day of the year.
Dozens of children filled Provinces Library Monday to kick off the new seasonal initiative for childhood reading.
County officials say pit bulls attack and are labeled "dangerous" more often than other dogs.
A motorcyclist was involved in an accident on Reece Rd. Emergency personnel were seen moving the cyclist onto a stretcher.
County officials say pit bulls attack and are labeled "dangerous" more often than other dogs.
Sharp-eyed Patch readers may have noticed a change or two on the site recently - and there's more on the way. For now, check out "Places."
The bill received a vote of 411-5 and would send more than $721 million towards Maryland military projects.
The bill received a vote of 411-5 and would send more than $721 million towards Maryland military projects.
A spokeswoman said 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the Simon Youth Foundation.
Arlington County Police arrested 20-year-old Severn resident, Roger K. Clark III along with Javon Martin of Washington D.C.
A brief look back at the week that was.
A fire that caused more than $400,000 in damage was captured on film of the Odenton Volunteer Fire Department working the scene.
Congrats to this week's winner of Where in Severn.
Police said the two men arrested, one from Glen Burnie, frequently visited a Hanover hotel.
For one local resident, last year's fireworks display was a close call.
Police said the suspects frequently visited a Hanover hotel.
Police said the child was being held in a passenger's lap when the crash occurred.
The girls took their personal passion for individuality to create an "A" earning PSA video.
The robbery took place Tuesday morning just after 2 a.m.