Odenton-Severn, MD|News|
Who is Lafayette Harvey? A Look Behind the Glasses
Patch sat down and spoke with the unofficial face of Old Mill High.

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.
Patch sat down and spoke with the unofficial face of Old Mill High.

Michele Gallerizzo was the first to correctly identify last week's photo as the cross sculpture outside of St. Bernadette Parish Catholic Church.
Pasadena residents weigh in on the issue of people misusing others' handicapped tags.
With 26 percent of its residents living below the poverty line, Severn could have some families in need benefit from the program.
After an innocent man spent seven months in jail, police are back to square one in finding the person responsible for last year's stoplight murder on Telegraph Road.
Police confiscated about $140 worth of marijuana from the apartment.
A brief look at the week that was.
Police to focus on high-parking area, such as Westfield Annapolis mall.
Many violators use other family member's handicap parking tags, said a police spokesman.
Many violators use other family member's handicap parking tags, said a police spokesman.
A team's mascot and its ferocity is no way to pick a bracket.
Children from ages 5 to 12 helped the Boys and Girls Club pursue a Guinness world record.
Thirteen units are on the scene, including a hazardous material team.
No one could correctly identify this week's photo.
A brief look back at the week that was.
Legislators are proposing higher premiums for military families to ease current financial struggles.
The entire building was cleared before firefighters gave the green light for re-entry.
Take a look at the editor's bracket and his unorthodox method.
Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger attended the event along with 86 companies.