Thanks to the many and growing regular users of Harford Vista!, we get a steady stream of thoughtful and constructive suggestions on how to improve this local destination site. Recently we received an email from someone who wanted to know why we didn't have a page featuring Joppatowne. Here's some of what she wrote:

"Joppatowne is a very diverse community with a lot to offer. Scenic pictures of Mariner Point Park, the enviromental trail (Joppatowne High) or the Gunpowder River would look great on your site. The socio-economic levels of the residents are just as diverse as their politics and history. In Joppatowne you would find five public schools . (and) in Joppa there are several private schools. In Joppatowne (alone), you will find eight or more churches, which reflect diversity in worship. The Harford National Bank has a Joppatowne branch . the Harford County Public Library has a Joppa branch. And a larger Post Office was recently added in Joppatowne. Ok, I have presented one individual's case for the community of Joppatowne to be included in your Harford Vista! navigation (bar). I could go on, but I stop here. It is my hope that Joppatowne will be included."

We were impressed, to say the least. She obviously knew the community well, and she really wanted to see her town represented on Harford Vista! So she went to the trouble of sending us a long email telling us in some detail why we should feature Joppatowne. We cherish this kind of passionate, caring and energetic visitor to our site. It was very difficult to say no. Here is what we wrote back to her:

"We'd love to! But the problem is we have no one to act as editor of the page at the moment . If you would be interested in looking after it, we'd be glad to put up a page. You don't need to be technically oriented, just email will do. It sounds like you know what's going on in the area. Thanks for the feedback! And let us know if you are interested." She replied right away:

"Yes . I am interested in helping to get a Joppatowne page up. Just what would be involved? . Just let me know, and we can get the ball rolling." Little did she know what she was getting herself into.

To make a long story short, we spent a month working together - and most of the work was on her end - putting together the information you see on the new Joppatowne page. She did a fantastic job. We hope you like what you see, and that you will come back soon and often, especially if you live in Joppa or Joppatowne.

The lesson here is that we listen to those of you who visit Harford Vista! and send us suggestions for improving the site. And if you are also willing to volunteer some time and effort to help make it happen, as this woman so ably did, then we are especially interested.

We want to maintain Harford Vista! as THE online destination for the county. If you keep that volunteer spirit and those emails coming, we will.

DM