Sunday, July 17, 2011

Patch: Shout It Out: This Week’s Best in Local Columns & Community News

Opinion

Shout It Out: This Week’s Best in Local Columns & Community News

We all have an opinion, especially when it comes to our community.

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Tell Your Neighbors About Patch

Patch readers know we’re all about objective news in and around our neighborhoods. But we also like to hear about the thoughts and personal experiences that matter to you. We’ve pulled together a bevy of great columnists, so if you want to find out what residents are saying in your neck of the woods, read on for this week’s Columns and Community.

On High-Pollution Days, Doctors Say Don’t Run the Risk
It’s hot. It’s humid. Yet, people are still out running. Perhaps they have good health in mind or the latest photo from a celebrity beach sighting, but they could actually be putting themselves at risk, specialists say. Find out what that means to you and your active family onSavage-Guilford Patc h.

Owings Mills Mall at 25: Quiet and Lonely
After the departure of Saks Fifth Avenue a decade into the mall’s existence, anchor stores have come and gone at the Owings Mills Mall. Would-be shoppers bemoan the mall’s current state, as you can see on Tweeting Owings Mills Mall: You Used to be So Pretty, or read the article in full, onOwings Mills Patch.

Mischief Managed? Harry Potter Midnight Premier
Excited fans of all ages came out to AMC Columbia for the midnight release of Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2, the 8th and final movie in the popular series. Don’t miss the gallery of all the muggle magic, on Columbia Patch

Smoking Bans Increased in Public Places Across Maryland Fires Up Conversation

Smokers who want to light up at Howard County parks will have to find another location, or find themselves breaking the law--the first such comprehensive ban in the state. Is this a preventive measure or liberty infringement? Be sure to add your two cents, on Reisterstown Patch.

Vacation, Schmacation. Why Not a Maryland ‘Staycation?’
Hoping to save money this summer but still take a vacation? Take a look around–literally. That vacation could be as close as your hometown. Many Marylanders are opting this summer for a “staycation.” Don’t miss this list of all the fun diversion available right here, on Arbutus Patch.

DREAM Act Heads Toward Referendum
The fate of in-state tuition for illegal immigrants in Maryland appears to be headed to voters next year after a campaign to put the issue on the 2012 ballot amassed more than twice the required signatures in only two months.The campaign has blocked the onset of Maryland’s DREAM Act, which was set to take effect July 1. Westminster Patch has the story.

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