Editor’s Letter James

As I read and re-read, and even triple-checked the content prepared for this month’s issue, a pattern emerged that almost made my heart skip a beat…in a good way. The moment crystallized when I finally reviewed the list of monthly regional events that our Entertainment Editor Megan Kotelchuck compiled, which you can now peruse beginning on page 11.

There are events…real events…and lots of ’em! There are more than we could fit in this issue (cue visit to Whatsupmag. com for our online calendar).

It’s awe-inspiring that many of our long-cherished, annual favorites are coming back. That fact that seafood festivals, fairs, historical re-enactments (from pirates to knights), and all-manner of local, cultural celebrations are triumphantly returning is a testament to us…you, we, us…coming together to find reason and willpower for the greater good. And that greater good sure feels a heck of a lot better with live events, camaraderie, and the jovial atmosphere of our communities being out and about.

I think we noticed this at the beginning of summer, felt it during the Fourth of July, and are now ready to conquer fun and familiarity once again. I know I am. Safely of course.

The past 17 months-and-change have seen our communities, businesses, organizations, governments…all of us really… evolve in ways unimaginable before the pandemic took over. And for as much struggle and strife that many of our family, friends, neighbors, businesses, and frontliners experienced, there were substantive positives gained. The old saying, “When one door closes, another one opens,” certainly rings true in this regard. When the economy, events, and entertainment came to a standstill, for example, many folks took to the outdoors for adventure—not the least of which were boaters, anglers, and watersports enthusiasts of all types. The maritime industry—unlike many other industries—actually experienced quite a boom. Writer Jeff Holland discusses this in this month’s article “Rising Tide Lifts All Boats.”

And I believe, if one takes a step back, so to speak, and sort of views our nation’s social dynamics through a macro-lens, there have been positive strides made to acknowledge our differences, correct injustices, and find solutions to problems all too common among our many municipalities. We might not agree on the means to the ends, but I think good steps are being taken toward this greater good of which I’m speaking. In this month’s “One Nation: A Diversity Article Series” installment, written by Ines Alicea, we examine how the pandemic affected our Hispanic community and meet several local organizations working very, very hard to assist and lift our neighbors up. There are very endearing stories within this story.

On another emerging positive note, we are seeing local businesses expand, hire, and, even, newly open to great fanfare. Restaurants, both old and new, are resurrecting the Chesapeake dining/culinary scene. Read about several in this month’s “Savor the Chesapeake” column by Kelsey Casselbury, as well as her tasty recipe for a frozen treat that’s perfect to beat the heat…and be the life of the party.

Honestly, I’ve only begun to touch on the uplifting content you’ll find in this month’s issue. I mean, there’s even a story about a former NASA astronaut exploring new frontiers (to find out what this means exactly, turn to page 70). A few other things you’ll find in here: coconuts (perfect for summer!), martial arts (Cobra Kai anyone?), a standout Terrapin (think football), and, oh yeah, the 2021 Best of Real Estate, Home & Garden winners are announced. So, if one door has James Houck, closed, you’ll know who to call Editorial Director to help you open another!

I hope you have an ambitious and exciting summer; and make the most of it, because the school year and fall season are right around the corner. But that’s for another issue.