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Articles by Keri Luise
AA County Seeks Input on Walk & Roll
Photo: AACo. Office of Transportation. By Keri Luise Getting from where we live to where we want to go is not always the easiest task when driving isn’t an option, especially when active transportation options are limited or unsafe. Anne Arundel County is looking to solve problems like this with a pedestrian and bicycle master plan called Walk & Roll Anne Arundel.
Sending Love Without the Stress
By Keri Luise New locally founded business, Fluttr, has made sending love a whole lot easier. The internet-based personal greeting card service is dedicated to helping people stay connected and celebrate life’s most important moments through one-of-a-kind personalized greeting cards. Founder and owner, Matt Sarro, started his new company to improve the experience of purchasing greeting cards.
A Toast to FeBREWary
By Keri Luise & Molly Weeks Crumbley The world of craft beer has exploded. Never before have we had so many options to slake our thirst. February is the time to explore the growing local market of craft beers. Dubbed FeBREWary by the Brewers Association of Maryland, this month showcases the Old Line State’s growing brewery industry, home to over 120 breweries supporting 7,100 full-time jobs and $956 million in economic impact.
Crafting in Gingerbread
Food artist Nancy Baker works on a gingerbread house at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park. Photo: Keri Luise. By Keri Luise Cookies, candy canes, gumdrops and more, Christmas is the season for delicious treats. But some sweets do double duty as building materials. Local food artist, Nancy Baker, assembled a homemade gingerbread house in front of guests at Homestead Gardens in Severna Park on Sunday adding her signature “wow factor” into holiday baking.
Camp Woodlands Gets Funding Gift
By Keri Luise Christmas is coming a little early this year for the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland. The Girl Scouts are in the process of being awarded $500,000 in federal funding from U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen for improvements to the Girl Scout Camp Woodlands in Annapolis. Senators have requested funding from the Appropriations Committee in order to directly benefit their states and communities.
Staying Afloat By Sharing Stories
Author Dotty Doherty with a copy of her book, Buoyant: What Held Us Up When Our Bodies Let Us Down, published by New Bay Books. Photo by Jonathan Doherty. By Keri Luise Naturalist, biology and environmental science teacher, journalist, birder, nature photographer. Annapolitan Dotty Holcomb Doherty, 64, has held many titles, and now she can add published author to her list.
Women’s Gym Inspires Community
Sandra Vazquez has opened a new womens gym in Dunkirk. Photo courtesy of Vazquez. By Keri Luise Local women’s gym, Sistas Work Together (SWT) Fitness, opened its first storefront studio on Oct. 2 in Dunkirk. Established by Sandra Vazquez, 52, in May 2020 as a small fitness business she ran in her Chesapeake Beach home, the new gym now welcomes more women from the immediate area to meet their fitness goals together.
Parenting Payoff
A challenge turns a family into entrepreneurs By Keri Luise When a mom and dad of two toddlers struggled with traditional methods for teaching good behavior, they invented their own high-tech teaching tool. And it turned out to be such a good idea, Anne Arundel County is putting $100,000 behind it.
The New Skateboarding
Tameron Barish began skateboarding at age 8. After his death this summer, his family began a fundraiser for improvements to the skate park at Truxtun Park in Annapolis. Photo courtesy Barish FA\amily. Skate parks revamped in Chesapeake Country By Keri Luise It may be an Olympic sport now, but skateboarding has come a long way.
A Sweet Surprise for Mr. Solo
Photos courtesy of Trayton Covington. ‘I’m just a dad with an ice cream truck’ By Keri Luise Families sit by the pool on a hot summer day and suddenly crave a refreshing ice cream snack. In local Crofton communities they know they can simply call their local ice cream man Trayton Covington, “Mr. Solo,” and he will come right over.
In Search of Birds
State Park Quest Returns with Birding Theme By Keri Luise Maryland Park Service’s popular Park Quest program returns for its 14th year, luring visitors to explore all 23 locations in the statewide system. And this year’s program is for the birds. Running from May 1 through Oct. 31, each state park hosts its own quest activity for guests to complete and be entered into a drawing for prizes at the conclusion of the program. There are an average of five quests per region.
Shutting Out Doubts
Photos courtesy Nadreen Ferguson. College football player tackles her critics By Keri Luise As a kid, Alyssa Linkous would head straight to the backyard as soon as she got home from school so she could play football with her dad and brothers. These casual games grew into a passion for Linkous and playing football became all she wanted to do.
Students Raise Awareness Through Films
By Keri Luise Local students are invited to go behind the camera to create original films that spotlight environmental issues. Broadneck High School hosts the third annual Environmental Literacy Film Festival (virtually this year) on April 12. It will feature short curated films by participating Maryland public school students on environmental topics important to the region.
Park Superintendent Honored
Maryland State Parks Superintendent Nita Settina (left) with park rangers Donnie Oates and Christy Bright, celebrating the grand opening of Wolf Den Run State Park in 2019. Photo courtesy of Maryland Park Service. By Keri Luise Growing up in an apartment complex in Pittsburgh, Nita Settina relied on a nearby public park as her backyard, allowing her to enjoy the outdoors in a way she would not have been able to otherwise.
Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay Turns 50
Photos courtesy Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. By Keri Luise In September 1971, over 130 representatives from public and private institutions gathered to discuss problems surrounding the Chesapeake Bay and how to restore it back to health. That was the birth of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay.
Composting businesses do the dirty work for you
Annapolis Green turns tons of waste from the Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast into compost every year. Photo courtesy Annapolis Green. By Keri Luise Where some may just see decay and rot, others see black gold for the garden. Composting is the process of turning organic matter—food scraps, leaves, grass clippings—into a valuable addition to soil. But if you want to make it yourself, it requires collecting all that waste in a container and waiting for it all to decompose.
The Best of Baltimore Since 1907
As autumn temperatures creep into the region, many gardens go lifeless—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Hardy outdoor plants can brighten your yard and porches, as long as you pick the right ones for our sometimes fickle climate. “There are plant materials specific to our zone that are meant for our funky cold-and-then-warm weather,” says Heather Wheatley, a certified professional horticulturist at Davidsonville’s Homestead Gardens.
Can't Miss Fall Arts Events for 2019
Through Dec. 1: Hitching Their Dreams to Untamed Stars: Joyce J. Scott & Elizabeth Talford Scott For 60 years, MacArthur award-winning artist Joyce J. Scott lived in Baltimore with her mother, Elizabeth Talford Scott, who passed away in 2011. This exhibit will bring together a collection of nine pieces of art that the two made, either collaboratively or separately.
The List: September 2019
Chalk It Up - Madoranni FestivalSept. 6-8. 11 a.m.-10 p.m..Little Italy, Baltimore. Free. After Michael Kirby discovered his talent for street art as a teenage spray-painter, the Parkside native went on to create thousands of Renaissance chalk paintings and become the first American artist to achieve the title of “master street painter” in major European festivals.
Weekend Lineup: August 2-4
EAT Aug. 3: The Charmery Turns Six The Charmery in Hampden, Towson, & Ice Cream Factory. Hampden & Towson 12-11 p.m., Ice Cream Factory, 12-10p.m. Free. One of Baltimore’s favorite sweet-treat shops is celebrating its sixth anniversary the only way it knows how: a nostalgic-themed party with tons of new ice cream flavors.
The List: August 2019
Maryland Renaissance Festival: Leave it to HamletAug. 24-Oct. 20. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.. Crownsville Rd., Crownsville. Price varies. When Steve Wannall first performed with Shakespeare’s Skum, a local comedy troupe, at the 1997 Maryland Renaissance Festival, he was blown away by the number of dedicated fans waiting to see the four-person team act out hilarious riffs on the Bard’s famous works.
Weekend Lineup: July 12-14
EAT July 14: The Night Brunch at South Point South Point, Port Covington, 101 West Cromwell St. 6-11 p.m. $10. We love a good brunch, but who says you can only eat eggs Benedict and bacon in the morning? Step outside the norm with this popular evening brunch series which, for the very first time, will host local foodies for brunch cocktails and eats on a Saturday night instead of its usual weeknight slot.
Weekend Lineup: June 28-30
EAT June 28: Maryland Food Trucks Foodie Bash Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Hwy. 5-9 p.m. Free. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate in National Food Truck Day than by indulging in tasty treats from rows and rows of local mobile kitchens. Join fellow foodies at The Baltimore Museum of Industry for a night of sampling delicious bites from 13 area purveyors, including fan favorites like Dough Boy Fresh Pretzel Co., Baltimore Crab Cake Company, and Deddle’s Mini Donuts.
15 mood-boosting affirmations to nix the winter blues
We all have those days when we feel down in the dumps. Whether you've had an argument with your bestie, didn't make the basketball team or recently went through a bad breakup, it's easy (and for the record, totally normal) to feel sadness and self-doubt. One of our fave ways to overcome the blues? Repeating positive affirmations to ourselves. Growing up is hard, and life can be unpredictable and tricky.
What are you most looking forward to at school?
1. Football games or Cheer performances? 2. Science class or English class? 3. Pep rallies or school assembly? 4. Seeing old friends again or meeting new people? 5. History class or Math class? 6. Joining clubs or field trips? 7. Learning new things or doing school community service? 8. Visiting favorite teachers or meeting new ones? 9. Taking part in a school play or trying out for sports teams? What's your fave part of back-to-school time? Sound off below!
18 things you *have* to do before you turn 18
Being a teenager can get pretty stressful and you may find yourself counting down the days ‘til you’re past these crazy days. But trust us, you’ve still got some amazing times ahead of you. Here's a bucket list of things you should make sure you do before turning 18: 2. See your favorite band in concert. 3. Say yes to something that scares you. Now is the time to break out of that comfort zone.
All your fav celebrities with birthdays in August
1. Mia Stammer This inspriational YouTube star turns 24 on August 1. 2. Chandler Kinney via GIPHY This Girl Meets World star celebrates her 18th birthday on August 3. 3. Cole and Dylan Sprouse On August 4 your fav twins will turn 26. 4. Shawn Mendes via GIPHY Shawn celebrates his big 2-0 on August 8. 5. Anna Kendrick via GIPHY On August 9, actress Anna will turn 33. 6. Kylie Jenner via GIPHY Kylie will turn 21 on August 10. 7.
QUIZ: What do you look for in a guy?
1. Sarcastic or straight-forward? 2. Blue eyes or brown eyes? 3. Bold or modest? 4. Jokester or more serious? 5. Long hair or short hair? 6. Adventurous or home-body? 7. Artsy or sporty? 8. Fashionable or simple clothes? 9. Headstrong or gentle? 10. Simple or complex? Let us know in the comments below!
5 fun accessories for your pool party
The summer heat is maxed out, and jumping into the pool sounds perfect. But before you make the splash, get your pool game up with our fave must-have floaties. We call the mermaid fins! Every pool party needs at least one float. These picks will make you feel super cute as you drift on the water. Hot pink with plenty of sprinkles? Count us in. Finally, the fins are YOURS. Mermaids make us happy, and so does this adorable float. We heart pineapples. This bold float is a sweet pick.
3 vitamins you should take this summer
Between the swealtering temps and the temptation to eat, well, posicles for dinner, it's key to get in those vitamins during the summer. But more important than popping a multivitamin is eating nutrient-rich foods. Here's exactly what you should be eating to stay healthy all season long. Vitamin A This vitamin helps to repair any skin damage from the sun's strong UV rays (though it's no replacement for tons of sunscreen, OK?). It also plays a significant role in vision, and cell and bone growth.
How to have the best solo summer ever
There's no better time to be single than the summer. Sure, cuddling up in front of a bonfire might seem like the best way to end a gorgeous vacation day, but rolling solo is secretly amazing during summer break. Here's how to make the most of your single status. Learn to play a new instrument. You know how every summer flick has a scene with a cute guy strumming a guitar. Don't dream about him, why not be the star yourself? With YouTube videos, it's easier than every to learn an instrument.
8 easy ways to love yourself every day
We all love our friends and appreciate them for who they are, so why aren't we that kind to ourselves? We've got tips to limit negative self-talk and reboot the way you feel right this second. Take breaks throughout the day Don't just scroll through Instagram when you're feeling stressed or bored. Instead, take planned, restorative breaks throughout the day. Take some deep breaths, go for a walk, or do some light stretching. You'll feel better in no time.
5 first date ideas you should definitely avoid
First dates are a special combo of potentially awkward, potentially awesome and totally fun. The key to making the date a blast? Avoid these *seemingly great* date ideas, which actually don't work the first time you're really going out with someone. Here are our first-date traps you should avoid... A fancy dinner Going out on a first date to a fancy dinner can put a lot of pressure on both you and your date.
You *have* to make this unicorn cheesecake dip
Unicorns have truly made their mark in the world of food trends, but *this* unicorn cheesecake dip puts a whole new spin on it. We all get those cravings for a simple, sugar snack, and this dip will hit the spot for you. Simple, tasty and easy to make, this is the perfect sweet snack to add some color to your taste buds! What to do 1. Allow the cream cheese to become room temperature. 2. Blend all ingredients except the colors together until smooth.
How to deal when your family is moving
Whether your parents just announced that you're relocating across the country or just across town, moving into a new house is a big deal. For one, it involves packing up everything you own (ugh, stress) and saying goodbye to entire phase of your life (ah, sad). Here's how to stay calm and keep perspective, no matter how far you're going. Hold onto your most cherished keepsakes.
Why you shouldn't wear makeup this summer
Plain and simple, makeup is fun. It's a great way to get creative and express yourself, and there's nothing wrong with wearing makeup whenever you want. But sometimes it just feels good to go bare-faced, ya feel? Here are a few reasons to do just that this summer. You can show off your natural glow The summer sun gives you that extra bit of color that you are constantly trying to get with bronzer. So, skip the brushes and the powder and just get outside a bit instead (with SPF, of course!).
PrettyMuch's new track has the *best* summer vibe!
PrettyMuch is out here with a new track "Summer On You"—and it is *exactly* the mellow vibe we need for lazy summer days. And guess what? The song was actually penned by one of your favorite song writers: Ed Sheeran. "As soon as we heard it, we couldn't turn it down," cutie Nick Mara said.
What's better: <em>13 Reasons Why</em> or <em>Riverdale</em>?
1. 13 Reasons Why or Stranger Things? 2. The Bold Type or The Fosters? 3. Dear White People or Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt? 4. The Innocents or American Horror Story? 5. Girlboss or Everything Sucks? 6. Arrested Development or The 100? 7. Riverdale or The Flash? 8. Jane the Virgin or Glow? 9. American Vandal or Atypical? 10. The Vampire Diaries or Haters Back Off Submit your answers in the comments below! Photo credit: Beth Dubber/Netflix
You need these charitable LGBTQ+ clothes for Pride month
There's no better time than June to rock the rainbow. And whether you're wearing it to tell the world who you are or to show your support as an ally, there are almost endless ways to do it—from tees to tanks to buttons to hats...you name it and it's out there somewhere with a rainbow on it. But celebrating Pride—and supporting the LGBTQ+ community—is about more than just slaying in ROYGBIV. It's a time to contribute to the organizations and help to create change in the community.
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