Story by Caroline Miller King and Photography by August Selckmann

Sam Grow shouldn’t be humble. The singer-songwriter from Charles County is enjoying success on the iTunes charts, taking his band on nationwide tours, and often playing with some pretty big names in the music business. But when I thanked him for agreeing to be interviewed, his response was to thank me for wanting to interview him.

Story by Susan Glauner and Photography by Ed Mann

Richard Slavik, 60, of California, Md., comes across as a pretty average guy. He likes sports and fishing, and takes pride in his Navy career. What is very “un”-average about Richard, however, is how he spends much of his time – helping others. Since retiring from the Navy, he has dedicated his life to making things better for St. Mary’s County residents in need, both as a professional and as a volunteer.

Story by Rose Talbot and Photography by Ed Mann

It seems like Paula Rosnage knows everyone in town.

“Oh, she’s a survivor,” she says.
“Her father is a warrior.”
“That woman is one of our 5-year survivors.”

How does Paula know so many people? All of them have been touched in some way by cancer and Rosnage has met them through her work with the Calvert County American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life.

Story by Susan Glauner and Photography by Ed Mann

For over 31 years, Mike Schwartz, 55, owner of Mike’s Bikes in Lexington Park, has been a hub for biking culture in Southern Maryland. Schwartz, his shop and his big green school bus are icons in the community. Along with his two German shepherds, Xena and Buster, Schwartz and his team are trying to keep everyone in Southern Maryland moving forward … on two wheels, that is.

Story by Susan Glauner and Photography by August Selckmann

There is perhaps nothing more fulfilling than helping others by doing what you love. This is what happens when Southern Maryland GiveCamp (SMGC) volunteers assemble once a year to provide free information technology solutions to local charitable organizations that don’t otherwise have the budget to support the technology resources they need.

Story by Edna Troiano and Photography by August Selckmann

Ever drink bottled water? Almost everyone does. But did you know that a bottle of water can do more than hydrate your body? A bottle of water can help support the Calvert Marine Museum, Habitat for Humanity, the Center for Children, St. Jude’s Hospital or any cause you wish to support – that is, if you buy MyCause Water.

Story by Janet Dunphy and Photography by Ed Mann

Mary Pat Hollis didn’t realize she was starting a second career when she took that class 11 years ago. She was just fulfilling a dream.

Story by Michelle Brosco Christian and Photography by Ed Mann

Stay-at-home mom Cori Shaw Meloney of Waldorf may sometimes miss her former work in a busy newsroom, but not enough to give up her current status as the owner/designer of Peace, Baby! Batiks, a craft business located in her own kitchen.

Story by Barbara Elizabeth Graf and Photography by Ed Mann

Born and raised on a Virginia farm, Selena Daughtrey-Andersen of Huntingtown was introduced to animals at an early age. “I was always surrounded by multiple dogs and cats, and we always had horses,” said Daughtrey-Andersen, the youngest by nine years of five siblings, who took to the saddle and learned the responsibilities of horsemanship with her first pony when she was 5 years old. “My parents never kept a tight rein on me,” said Daughtrey-Andersen. “I had to entertain myself a lot,” she added, recalling that her solitary pastimes of reading and art as well as her passion for animals – especially horses – have stayed with her since childhood.

Story by Kathy Warren and Photography by August Selckmann

If becoming an artist were as simple as taking a few classes or declaring an art major in college, then art galleries and museums would become obsolete and homes would be filled with our own artwork and not the creations of others. But the truth is that not all of us are artists. The reason we appreciate the work of true artists is because they possess a gift that allows them to create works of art that transcend time and space. Such is the case for local artist Ann Crain.