F ³: Options

 

I happen to know a lot of church musicians. This is probably what comes of spending my junior year at Westminster Choir College, which offers majors in church music, music education, and performance. So I wasn’t surprised to see a Facebook post from a old acquaintance promoting his church’s Christmas Eve services.

That must be a big church, I thought. Five services!

And then: hmm…look at all the choices. 

• Modern
• Kids
• Traditional

Clearly traditional is the favored option here. Perhaps many folks like to celebrate their major holidays with a traditional flavor.

And this is where my brain did that inexplicable thing and wondered what it would be like if everything in life was divided into these three categories. Perhaps many of them already are. Restaurants, for instance. I don’t think it’s too big a stretch to imagine one’s dining choices as falling into: Modern, Kids, and Traditional.

And what about education? While there are undoubtedly schools using modern methods or deeply entrenched in a traditional old school approach, sign me up for the kid-centric school every time. 

Now that we are on a roll, just imagine local government. Which County Council hearing would you choose? And what would that look like? If the Kid’s version were shorter, more hands on, used visual aids, and gave more opportunities for engagement/participation - - yeah, I’d probably go with that. 

Here we arrive at the intersection of my original idea and something else that’s been on my mind lately: Sesame Street. You may have heard that HBO has cancelled future episodes of this beloved educational program for children. Individual citizens are being asked to make donations to “save” the show. How did we get here?

Sesame Street was originally funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting which, in turns is funded through government allocations. When that money was no longer forthcoming, a decision to save the show was made by partnering with a commercial network. And now that commercial network is axing Sesame Street as a “business decision.”

Have you seen Sesame Street since it went to HBO? Were you familiar with old school Sesame Street? In your opinion, how do they compare?

Honestly, my favorite Sesame Street would have to be Traditional. I have found the Modern version to be much less creative and it feels to me to lack the true essence of what made the original show so special. Relationships were deeper, playfulness felt like a core goal. (Heavens! Have I become a Make Sesame Street Great Again agitator?) Does my personal nostalgia color my support for the show?

Maybe a little. 

Mostly what I yearn for is a Sesame Street which is truly a Kids version, and by that I mean one that meets the needs of children today and appeals as much to their imaginations and sense of humor as their educational development. In the end that wouldn’t exactly be the Traditional show that I remember. But it would reassert the value and importance of a program meant to connect with kids and lift them up.

There are some breathtakingly wealthy companies and individuals in this country. Isn’t there someone out there who shares this vision? Who wants to carry this show and its mission into the future? Sesame Street is basically asking the public for small change. What they need is someone who will provide major funding.

Can we really divide all of life between Modern, Kids, and Traditional? Probably not. It would make a great party game, though. I think I’d almost always choose Kids but maybe not in the case of major surgery. I have my limits.

Thoughts on options or on Sesame Street? Let me know.

Village Green/Town² Comments

Tired to the Bone

“Teachers are tired.”

I came across these words this morning in a social media discussion about a school lockdown. (Not local) I knew immediately what they meant. Not tired like, “I need a nap” or “Winter vacation can’t come soon enough.” No, it’s more like “Drained to the bone.” “No longer believe there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.” 

My thoughts jumped to this statement responding to the school shooting in Madison, Wisconsin:

The days immediately following school shootings are the very worst to be a teacher in this country. Not just in theory, either. The tension, the anxiety, and the fear are palpable. Thick. Everybody’s nervous systems go into overdrive as we mentally (and sometimes physically) prepare for the worst thing.

Living like this does damage. I know it does.  - - Chanea Bond

Teachers are tired. 

How tired?

I’m so heartbroken and so furious and way too underpaid to be dealing with this all the damn time.

And to think so many of us CHOOSE this.

We could have safer schools and communities.

Instead we just don’t.  - - teacher comment on Bluesky 

We do not pay teachers adequately for the amount of work they do, the intensity of work that they do, and on top of that we expect them to be the first line of defense against gun violence. Every single day.

Teachers are tired.

Let’s make this local: yesterday there was a rally in support of Howard County teachers in front of the George Howard building. Coordinated by the Howard Progressive Project, the event was entitled “Unifying for Community Engagement in Support of Educators.” The rally combined education supporters from a number of local groups including the Howard Progressive Project, HCEA, the African American Coalition of Howard County and others to advocate for increased funding for public schools.

Ellicott City, Maryland - - Howard County educators began this 2024-25 school year withlarger classes, fewer learning materials, and lower inflation-adjusted salaries. But a broad coalition of local organizations is calling on the Board of Education, the County Council, and County Executive Calvin Ball to work together and fund a long-term contract that keeps Howard County educator compensation competitive with neighboring counties. The coalition is also urging stakeholders to find new streams of revenue to fully fund the mandates of the Blueprintfor Maryland’s Future.

 - - press release, Howard County Progressive Project 

Folks, we can’t keep drawing water from an empty well. Teachers are leaving the profession in droves. Young people are less and less inclined to choose and train for a teaching career. 

Our teachers spend hours every day assessing and addressing student needs. What are we doing to address teacher needs? If we believe that free public education is a public good then we must be committed to making the choices that support public schools and help them thrive.

Thank you notes are nice. Teacher gifts are nice. Hot chocolate and cookie buffets are nice. If they were adequate compensation for important and necessary work that’s what we would be giving CEO’s. But we don’t. We expect that their work expectations and salary should be in line with their skills, education, and ability. 

Teachers need the same. And they need us to care enough to make schools safe places for children and adults, too. 

Because teachers are tired. Very, very tired. 

Village Green/Town² Comments 

The Happiness Business

There’s an article in the Sun (which I couldn’t read) about a gentleman named Craig Casterella. His company, American Christmas, makes the Merriweather Disctrict look merry and bright for the season.

Screenshot of article from Baltimore Sun, article by Kiersten Hacker

Yes, I tried to find this article through the Howard County Library website. I failed. I guess I wasn’t looking under the right rock.

Seeing an article about a company that will do one’s holiday decorating put me in mind of the variety of businesses available to provide seasonal services. You can hire someone to:

• Hang your Christmas lights
• Clean your house in preparation for holiday guests
• Cater your holiday meals and/or parties
• Decorate the interior of your house.
• You probably can hire someone to do your gift shopping, too.

It seems as if there is a service for almost anything one might be willing to pay for. Or, if there isn’t, there soon will be once a savvy entrepreneur figures out how to monetize it successfully. It wasn’t that long ago that you either washed your own car or took it to the car wash. Now you can have someone come to your home and do more than wash it. They will engage in high-level, luxury detailing services.

But where are the people who will detail my kitchen appliances? Why is that not a thing? I’m not sure I could afford to pay for that kind of work but I might contemplate saving up. Would you?

Are there some services you’d be willing to pay for but no one has created a business for them yet? For example,  I know I’d be willing to hire someone to take our bins down for trash and recycling days and bring them back each week. 

Dream big. Or small. Perhaps you need someone to drive you to dental appointments so you don’t chicken out. Someone to show up and put fresh sheets on all the beds once a week like clockwork. Someone to be in charge of your children’s school and activity schedules. 

Is there a business for that? 

There are dog walking services. Are there services that will get your sedentary relative off the couch and take them for a walk?  I mean, I can see where that might be beneficial.

One last note: if you reread this piece you’ll see that many of the services I mention are things that we just expect women to do without assistance or compensation. Hmm…

Send me your business/service ideas. This could be fun. And we might think up something viable!

Village Green/Town² Comments

Flash!

Flash Number One:

If you were at Savage Mill on Sunday you may have enjoyed a pop-up community parranda by Cultura Plenera. 

Photo from Cultura Plenera social media 

A parranda is a Puerto Rican holiday musical tradition that involves visiting the homes of friends and family and singing traditional holiday music. It's the Puerto Rican version of caroling, but parrandas are generally considered secular events enjoyed by all Puerto Rican regardless of their religious beliefs.

They are an opportunity to visit and celebrate the end of the year with friends and family. Visitors can participate in this Puerto Rican version of caroling right here at Savage Mill! - - event page

Although they billed it as a Flash Mob of sorts, the good folks of Cultura Plenera acknowledged the ways in which their parrranda would differ from the typical Flash Mob.  

A flash mob is a group of people who suddenly perform an unexpected act in a public space for a short time, and then quickly disperse. Flash mobs are known for their element of surprise and are often used for artistic expression or social engagement.

Cultura Plenera will apply the flash mob model to our parranda tradition in order to invite our entire community to our very first Flash Mob Parranda which we will perform as an expression of our culture and traditions, and to engage with our community.

We have permission from Savage Mill to do this celebration so feel free to bring your entire family and all your friends. Also bring your instruments and voices...this is a community parranda!! - - Cultura Plenera Facebook Page 

If you didn’t happen to be there on Sunday you should definitely visit the Cultura Plenera Facebook page to see photos and video from the event. 

Photo credit Myriam Montañez Comito

Here’s a comment from someone who was there:

About last night.... Cultura Plenera

The pride of being part of the Puerto Rican diaspora was deeply felt last night at the flash mob parranda. In a season when traditions often bridge the distance between home and the heart, this spontaneous celebration became a powerful reminder of our collective spirit. … This parranda was more than a flash mob. It was a declaration of unity, a celebration of identity, and an inspiring reminder that our traditions and culture are a beacon of joy, no matter how far from home we may be. 

If I may be so bold, if you have never experienced Cultura Plenera, make a mental note to attend one of their events in the new year. 

*****

Flash Number Two:

When I was laid low with diverticulitis recently, I received an unexpected package in the mail. It was a gift box from YOLO Health and Wellness along with a sweet get-well card. The box contained a Grapefruit Granite Cleaner with a soft reusable cleaning cloth, a Passionfruit Lavender Shower Steamer, and an adorable jar of bath salts which had been crafted to read: Feel better soon.

As you might imagine, this surprise gift truly lifted my spirits on a rough day.

I discovered Recha Bullock’s all natural body and home products business at an event at The Third back in 2021. I’ve been a fan and fairly steady customer ever since. 

Well here’s an extra bit of flash for your day. YOLO Health and Wellness is having a Flash Sale today only on body butters, balms, and paw balm for your pets, too.

Photo from YOLO Health and Wellness 

Our first ever one day flash sale! Dry and distressed winter skin can make your skin feel rough and cracked. Unlock the secret to moisturized and radiant skin with our organic shea body butters and balms. Buy 2 Shea body butters or balms and get 1 free on our business site only. Use code SKINLOVE to get your free body butter or balm. Head over to our website to stock up now www.yolohealthwellness.org.

P.S. You can also add our pet paw balm for this flash sale!

**Sale ends 11:59 pm on December 17

You may find just what you want ti make a perfect gift for someone on your list or you just might realize, as I have, how thrilling it is to give something to yourself.

Village Green/Town² Comments 

Today in Local HoCo: who are your local, go-to artisans/makers/entrepreneurs for gift giving? Fill me in in the Comments. 

Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It

Have you heard of Winter Growth? The mission of this regional nonprofit is to offer “Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Adult Day Programs that empower older adults to live their best lives.” Winter Growth, whose Howard County location is in Harpers Choice, will soon be offering a new program that connects young people with their elders. It’s called the Grandkid Investigator Series.

 

The creator of the Grandkid Investigator Series, Isabel Tom, is from Rockville. You can learn more about her at her website, The Value of Wrinkles.

My name is Isabel Tom. I offer easy-to- understand insight to equip and encourage grandchildren and adult children to care for their older loved ones.

The “mission” for grandkid investigators is for kids to gather as much “evidence" as they can about their grandparent/older friend. The kit contains individual missions on various topics such as fashion, holidays, travel, and favorite foods. Children don’t always know how to begin conversations with grandparents and/or older folks in general. This could provide an appealing and low stress framework for intergenerational communication.

Who says you have to be an adult to be a history detective?

Here’s a brief news video that explains what the Grandkid Invesigator Series is all about:

Grandkid Investigator Series, Young Investigators connecting with grandparents, NBC4 Washington

You can learn more and sign up for the upcoming series by reaching out to Becky Donahue at Winter Growth: becky.donahue@wintergrowthinc.org 

Mission One begins January 25th. 

Village Green/Town² Comments 

Realtor Bias? It Just Might Be A Thing.

Remember this moment from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”?

Lucy Van Pelt: I know how you feel about all this Christmas business, getting depressed and all that. It happens to me every year. I never get what I really want. I always get a lot of stupid toys or a bicycle or clothes or something like that.

Charlie Brown: What is it you want?

Lucy Van Pelt: Real estate.

So, let’s talk real estate.

I recently came across a rather odd video on YouTube posted by Eddie Brady of Showcase Real Estate. It’s called “Six Reasons to Avoid Columbia.” The video runs 9 minutes, 37 seconds and it’s the first real estate video I have ever seen telling the viewer why they don’t want to move somewhere. 

I understand that Columbia can be rather an acquired taste and that it’s important to understand what it’s all about before making the leap of home ownership here. To be honest, many of the issues raised seem reasonable. We know we’re not perfect or at the very least we know we’re not exactly like other places. We weren’t meant to be. Even if you are a wholehearted fan of all things Columbia I think you’d find some of this video relatable.

BUT…

At 7:04 the video reaches a section on schools. Or rather, what the host has entitled: 

INCONSISTENT PUBLIC SCHOOL QUALITY

Rather abruptly we are plunged into a laundry list of all things that realtors should not be doing when it comes to taking about schools during the home buying process. Chief among these is his total endorsement of “school ratings” as an accurate measure of school environment and educational quality. It’s also an exercise in racist dog whistles so carefully spun out that you almost might not know what was happening - - if you don’t know Columbia, that is. 

I began watching this video out of curiosity. Some of it, though blunt, was understandable. But the section on schools is, in my opinion, 100 per cent an advertisement of why you should not use this particular realtor. If any realtor starts talking to you about schools this way you should start looking for someone else.

Watch it and see what you think. If you’re pressed for time, just watch the education portion beginning at 7:04. 

One thing I found interesting was how the video combines of photos from the area with generic stock footage. I imagine it’s a cost-saving approach. You know what I’m going to do today? I’m going to go back and rewatch the video to examine the racial makeup of the people depicted throughout. After that school section I’m…curious. That might tell me a lot about how this realtor sees the world and who he sees as his target audience.

What do you think?

Village Green/Town² Comments

*****

Today in Local HoCo: Did you know that today is International Tea Day?  Why not celebrate at Queen Takes Book? Sip free hot tea, enjoy LiteraTea tastings at 11am & 2pm, and discover literary-inspired blends perfect for gifting. Warm hearts, cozy reads, and delicious teas await!

Saturday Fun, or Gathering Frenzy?

 

A quick recipe for overwhelm: go to the Events page for today on Facebook. Check out Local and This Week to see what’s happening today. Shopping, Santa, and various photo ops figure prominently. Here’s an unexpected one:

Holiday photos with Smooth Little Moos. Come out and get the cutest Holiday photos and cuddles with our fluffy Mini Highland Cow Luna.

I wonder if anyone has asked Luna what she thinks about all this. At least Santa knows why he’s there. 

Of course I’m going to put in a plug for the good folks at Clarksville Commons. Today is the last market of the season, and they’re going all out for the holidays. I’m even hearing rumors of a visit from the man in red.Check out the event page for more information.

A reminder that this is a great way to shop local and support local farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

You are invited to enjoy holiday activities at the Central Branch of the Howard County Library today beginning at 11 AM.

Celebrate the season with a festive lineup at our Central Branch on Saturday, December 14. Enjoy live music by MusAlliance, Anna Kusner and Peter Omelchenko, from 11 am-12 pm in the Equity Resource Center. Then participate in a drop-in seasonal children's craft class for all ages from 12 - 1 pm. Finally, get creative at two Craft Works: Winter Workshops, for ages 18 and up, at 1 pm and 2:30 pm. 

 

The Columbia Concert Band is giving a Winter Concert this afternoon at River Hill High School beginning at three PM.

I believe this event is free and open to the public.

This evening beginning at 6:00 PM Singer Nikki Lerner will be presenting a concert at Saint Peter’s church in Old Ellicott City. The theme is Songs for Peace, Wisdom, and the Christmas Spirit.

Register for your free tickets here. (You are invited to make a free will donation.) I’ve seen Ms. Lerner perform several times around town, including as a part of the WBAL Concert for Kids st OMHS a few years back. You can take a listen to her music at this link.

My Saturday plans look like wrapping presents and getting a box ready to mail to family in Indiana. What about you? Also, did you go to the Columbia Association event at the Lakefront? What was it like?

Village Green/Town² Comments