Editor’s Letter James

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October ushers in the start of what is undoubtedly my favorite season of the year—the holiday season. Though it all sort of starts earlier in September with Labor Day weekend’s last hurrah and the kids then going back to school (virtually for many families), the tenth month of the year is where and when it’s at! Colder, fall northeasterly winds begin their push through the region. We say sayonara to Maryland’s humidity and think about firing up a few logs in the fireplace or firepit outside. We swap our tees and shorts for Henleys, hoodies, and jeans. Yes, we’ll have football this year. And hockey, basketball, and baseball. In fact, this may be the first time in history that all four major American sports leagues are playing meaningful games within the same month. That’s fairly amazing. And, of course, there’s a candy crusade occurring at the supermarkets in preparation for the sweetest holiday of all, Halloween (and a good time to take note of our biennial Top Dentists list in this issue, for your follow-up appointments).

So, will things be a bit different this year? Certainly. Will the kids be able to parade our neighborhoods, filling their buckets with M&Ms, Snickers, Reese’s, and Sweet Tarts? Hopefully. I’m still unsure how this will all pan out, but I’ve been seeing and hearing chit chat online of creative ideas to ensure we don’t let the kids (and adults, I suppose) down. Everything from delivering candy by remote-control toy cars to setting up tables at the end of driveways with individual baggies or cupcake wrappers filled with candies. Socially-distanced costume parades and cider-sippings. Things like that. All of it testimony that we’re a community—many communities—committed to living our best lives, but in a responsible and safe manner during unnerving and challenging times. How we come up with creative solutions to life’s curveballs speaks to the American ingenuity within us. I dig that. To that end…

In the first few pages of this month’s issue, we offer several suggestions of fall activities, perfect for the whole family, couples, and just about anyone looking forward to enjoying autumn as much as I do. From foliage hikes to charter fishing/boating, and even a few pumpkins patches and farms, there’s still plenty of fun to be had.

It’s also an election year, which will certainly keep everyone on their toes and, probably, actively engaged in conversations both revelatory and difficult. It’s hard to imagine that a just over a century ago, women in the U.S. didn’t have the right to vote. Even though women earned that right in August of 1920, it wasn’t until 1941 that Maryland ratified the 19th Amendment, giving women this right in our state. And yet today, voting rights is an issue that still demands discussion and refinement. I invite you to read Ashley Oleson’s “Women, Race, and the Ongoing Fight for True Equality”—the tenth article in our “Year of the Woman” series, which explores this issue. Qualified, Oleson serves as State Director of the League of Women Voters of Maryland. Did you know that Maryland is considered one of the most—if not the most— gerrymandered states in the country? Something to think about when you vote next month. (Shameless plug: we kick off our annual Best of West County voting now! See page 30 for details.)

We also offer further examination of Conowingo Dam, the Susquehanna River, and multi-state responsibilities (along with Federal) with regard to the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Building on last month’s article—the first in a three-part series—writer Jeff Holland speaks with authorities at the local, state, and national level to gain clarity in an, otherwise, very murky environmental problem. As we went to press with this issue, several states—including Maryland—announced legal action against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its failure to hold certain states accountable for polluting the Chesapeake Bay. A very intriguing development we intend to follow in Holland’s part-three next month.

Lots to chew on this month (and again, do consult our Top Dentists in this issue). There’s also our consistent smorgasbord of people profiles (meet do-gooders and good kids), home articles (faux wood finishes and tips to prep for winter), health columns (fear can be healthy), and dining tid-bits (new restaurants and James Houck, old favorites) to peruse. Editorial Director

And so, I raise a pint to my favorite time of year and toast this October, this issue, and, of course, all of you… our readers, who make it all possible.

Letters to What’s Up?

I want to let you know that I found the article Conowingo Dam Part I by Jeff Holland to be an excellent read! His writing is engaging, concise, well documented and personal. Please be sure to continue this series. He is a treasured gem from our Eastport roots and has long contributed a better understanding of our rich history in Maryland.

—Elise Handelman, Annapolis/Eastport

A selection of readers’ responses and questions sent to editors and staff at large. To send your comment or question, email editor@whatsupmag.com or assistant@whatsupmag.com.