Village Green/Town²

Reddit is a great place to ask ask hyperlocal questions like, “Where can I park my bike in Old Ellicott City?” And the answer is: There is a bike rack at the Ellicott City Welcome Center at 8267 Main St, Ellicott City, MD 21043. It is the old stone building (former post office) near entrance to parking lot D. In the front on either side. They are post hoop (circle on a post) type. So now you know. If you’ve been noticing a flurry of news stories about progress on the EC Tunnel, you’re not alone. There’s a question on Reddit for that, too.  Anyway to get a tour of the new tunnel? Would be super cool to check it out. Maybe someone knows someone who can get me in? Why am I picturing a bunch of twelve year old kids on bikes with flashlights? (At least they’ll know where to park their bikes,) Seriously, though, middle of the night forays into tunnels may look romantic in the movies but they probably don’t end well. And I’m not sure the county has enough liability insurance to guarantee...

  The time to get out the vote for Columbia elections is now. The time for village boards to make a get-out-the-vote plan for April, 2027 is now. Today. And at every single board meeting from here on out.  It should be an action item at every meeting.  Some years back (2017, to be exact) I turned out at an Oakland Mills board meeting to advocate for better leadership. Here’s a portion of what I said: I've been a teacher over thirty years and one thing I've learned is that the only way to get people to take risks, change, and grow is to create an environment where building relationships is important. Where people can feel good about themselves. Criticism, punitive actions, and negative talk are counter-productive to building and sustaining community. Building relationships and making people feel good about themselves are also crucial in dealing with the Columbia Association, Howard County Government, and our Village Schools. When we say we value connections, we need to sho...

  If you’re looking for a change of scene, may I recommend the Tip Top Motel? Apparently their sign is notable for its vintage qualities. Image shared on Reddit: r/vintagesigns Why visit the Tip Top, you ask? Well, they have this lovely video on YouTube. It’s one minute and twenty- one seconds long. You have the time.  In fact, I watched it more than once because I wasn’t quite sure if it was serious or a spoof. See what you think. It’s worth it just for the dining recommendations. This video was posted two days ago and I wonder if the timing has anything to do with a recent announcement by County Executive Calvin Ball. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball Announces Strong Support for Zoning Regulation Amendment to Revitalize and Redevelop Aging Motels Along Route 1 For generations, our Route One Corridor has been a vital economic hub for our county and state. Route One has the incredible potential to be transformed into an active, vibrant, mixed-use hub that supports residents...

  On Thursday I stated that the Banner article about Columbia elections missed the biggest reason why Columbia residents don’t vote. I did not anticipate Thursday evenings happenings at the CA Board meeting but they pretty much prove my point. Let’s look back a bit. The Ugly Truth , April 26, 2014 Columbia in a way, was an experiment. Well, folks, the experiment has failed. Where James Rouse saw possibilities of a diverse community, the truth is that Columbia is enchained in segregation. Segregation by age. (And, furthermore…) Important decisions about Columbia's present and future are largely being determined by one generation. One angry generation, I might add. I have heard too many stories of younger residents trying to get involved at the Village level and being scorned, spurned, dismissed, and beaten back by angry "Pioneers". It is no wonder to me that younger residents feel disenfranchised. I have lived here since 1999 and am still treated by some as a newcomer with...

  A fond salute to Jamie Ding The current Question-Asking King  On Jeopardy, each night at seven, Just watching him is quiz-show heaven. Not loud or showy, bold or sassy Our Jamie daily keeps it classy. His geeky anecdotes each day  Somehow enhance his stellar play. A “Cheery Assassin” says WSJ - -  (A  gently goofy pal, I’d say.) As each day’s contest meets its end You kinda wish he were your friend.  Not fierce, not perfect, he gets in trouble When chancing on a Daily Double. Though he may risk and we may doubt, Each night he seems to pull it out.  So far he reigns, his crown still gleaming. (We watch on delay because of streaming.) Tonight we’ll watch the day before  And cheer as he runs up the score. So, let us daily raise our voices To praise his wit and wardrobe choices. Come, gather round! Long may we sing Of brilliant buzzer Jamie Ding. Image from Wall Street Journal, no artist credited Village Green/Town² Comments 

  Don’t read this. (If you don’t care about Columbia elections, that is.) Columbia Association can’t get residents to vote , Lillian Reed and Jess Nocera, Baltimore Banner I don’t have enough time to write about this today, but look for something on Saturday. I can tell you that this article misses what I think is the biggest factor in why Columbians don’t vote.  If they had asked me, I would have told them. Come back on Saturday. I’ll tell you. ***** Perhaps it would be more fun to learn about Quirky Ellicott City. Maryland History Tours is going to be offering a Quirky themed tour in May and I’d tell you more but their helpful link directs me to April events.  Blah. Village Green/Town² Comments