Village Green/Town²

Last night as I walked toward Clyde's with my daughters, we saw two gentleman get to the door before us. One turned back, saw us, and waved. He didn't really know us. But we were wearing red. So were they.   When we walked inside the staff directed us to the bar right away--again, the red tipped them off. Huge bunches of red balloons adorned the bar area. Clyde's did a beautiful job handling everything. I can see why Dennis loved it so much. After awhile we decided to move on and have dinner at the Tomato Palace. This marks only the second time I have eaten there, the first time inside. We had excellent service and the food was delicious. As we left we noticed the inviting exterior of Le Comptoir. I felt a tingle of excitement. Imagine coming down to the Lakefront and having multiple to places to choose from. This could be a place I want to go more than once or twice a year. *** Some follow-up on The Second Chance Saloon situation from Bill Gray, ch...

Forever in our hearts. A black banner with white letters hangs at the Mall in remembrance of the recent victims of violence in our community. Seeing it made me think of Elizabeth Nass and Rose Mayr . My thoughts are full of community grieving, shared sorrow, memories of pain that cannot be changed. A memorial is a place we set aside to honor the one we have lost. It can be formal, like a banner, or a statue, or a gravestone in a cemetery. A memorial can also be a gathering, full of life, shared by those united by a connection to the departed. A place to remember. A place to celebrate. Some memorials are not so public. Just as the sign says, it is the love we keep forever in our hearts that shows itself in a thousand tiny ways. Lighting a candle, making a toast, saving a space at the table. Wearing red. I have to remind myself that not everyone who reads this blog knew Dennis Lane. It is his birthday I honor today by wearing red, joining with friends for a drink, and making a ...

"Wait! One more look. Good-bye , Good-bye world. Good-bye, Grover's Corners....Mama and Papa. Good-bye to clocks ticking....and Mama's sunflowers. And food and coffee. And new ironed dresses and hot baths....and sleeping and waking up. Oh, earth,you are too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it--every,every minute?" Emily, from Our Town , by Thornton Wilder As I get older, I find myself treasuring the ordinary moments of my life. Over time our days develop their own patterns. I find myself looking forward to end of the day time with my husband, just the two of us. We settle in to bed after the usual routine. After almost fifteen years of marriage he still gets up to "fix the sheets" if they have come untucked and I still doggedly hold on to mine so they don't get pulled away. Just a little thing. A silly little thing. We fuss at eachother, territorial about the covers on the bed. But the argume...

It's Monday morning. We've had a rough weekend but we keep moving forward. I drink my coffee as I scan the morning tweets. @kenulman: Pls use the hashtag #hocounited & share your thoughts on why our community is strong & resilient. #HoCoMD Flashback to Saturday, where I saw tweets like these: @acarvin: Columbia Mall is our community refuge, gathering place. The local motto is "Choose Civility." One shooter can't change that. #ColumbiaStrong @ColumbiaAssn: Our thoughts are with those affected by the tragedy at Columbia Mall. #PrayForColumbia Columbia. Howard County. On some days we have an uneasy coexistence that rivals the town/gown relationship in places like New Haven/Yale where both sides warily eye the other for signs of disrespect. Hostility aside, many residents do not begin to understand the basic differences between what the Columbia Association does and what Howard County does. Well, they say you really get to know who your friends a...

WTOP News Radio posted a link to this article this morning on Facebook. If you follow WTOP on Facebook, you will be able to see that a lively discussion ensued. In brief, " Lawmaker seeks signs to move slow drivers over." And, " He thinks slow-poke drivers can cause road rage." Patrick Hogan of Frederick County wants signs instructing slow drivers to stay to the right. Because apparently slow drivers in the fast lane make people angry enough to be dangerous. He calls it the Road Rage Reduction Act. Road Rage Reduction Act? Where is the acknowledgement that road rage comes from people who allow themselves to be consumed by rage? We are each responsible for our own feelings. I'm all for safe driving and obeying the law. But what amazes me is that this seems to place to blame for road rage on the victims. Sure, I have been cut off on the highway, or frightened by others' unsafe driving, but that doesn't make me violent. Even more amazing to me were ...

This morning, in the cranky haze of a sinus infection, I checked recent postings on Facebook. The Polar Bear Plunge has been cancelled, thank goodness. Ian Kennedy is drumming up support as a celebrity bartender for Evening in the Stacks. Two wonderful young people have just had their first child. A friend from college has adopted (yet another) Maine Coon cat. Tom Coale has written a letter to the paper encouraging participation in upcoming Columbia elections, and immediately someone has jumped in to rain on his parade. Of course. Sigh... When you take a head cold, multiple medications, not enough sleep or coffee, and combine it with this kind of information, something strange is bound to happen. Here it is. Yes, it's the Oklahoma Land Rush, as depicted in the 1992 movie, "Far and Away". Just imagine it's Columbia, with all the Pioneers rushing in to take their places. (Bear with me.) The land is theirs. The concept is theirs. All the spots on Village boar...

Councilwoman Courtney Watson posted the follow last night on Facebook : Parents, please walk your children to bus stops tomorrow if you can and bring a shovel. Help make the bus stops safe for children to stand by clearing the snow. Be safe! I thought this was great advice, and a good example of thinking ahead to deal with a tough situation. However, this did not stop my mind from taking off on a hippity hoppity spree as I imagined legions of parents taking to the street with shovels. Cue ominous cinematic soundtrack... Nothing good can come of this, you are thinking. You are right. Now that one can Google the term, "carrying a shovel" none of us are safe from Too Much Information. I learned a lot from an article called " 10 reasons to carry a shovel with you at all times". This is not to be confused with an Oatmeal post with a similar-sounding title, "4 reasons to carry a shovel at all times". Don't click on that, just don't. My favori...

My brother-in-law is a Methodist minister. I have learned a lot from him over the years. Visiting small-town Indiana and having the opportunity to attend his church services, I often had experiences that I just couldn't get back home. On one such visit he had to duck over to the church for something called "Wacky Wednesday". What was this Wacky Wednesday? A new kind of liturgy in the Methodist church, perhaps? An untraditional bible study group? He explained the concept. You can't just assume a junior high or senior high youth group. You have to grow your youth group. You have to provide the opportunities for shared experiences that help the kids form the bonds that will lead to positive youth group dynamics in their teen years. So you start in elementary school. Every Wednesday afternoon in the summer there were special activities for the older elementary kids--water balloon fights, crazy hair day, scavenger hunts, and so on. And he, as the pastor, was right ...

A friend of mine in the neighborhood has a lovely house and an inviting yard that always shows signs of life. Bikes and other children's play equipment hint at the active fun her children must be having. It's a perfect example of suburban loveliness imbued with liveliness. But her house holds a secret. A darker side that surely didn't come to light until after they had lived there for awhile. As any realtor would tell you, it's all in the location. It's halfway down a small street that is the only connection between two more important thoroughfares. There's a bit of an incline. What this means in good weather is that her home is under almost constant police surveillance. Well, not really. It seems that this spot is the ideal one to nab folks who roll through the nearby stop sign. I have to admit that I would feel a bit unnerved by that much togetherness on a daily basis. But she and her family take this in stride. It's just the way things are. However,...

I will admit that there have been some mornings when I wished something truly interesting was going on in local news. When you try to write every day you don't always wake up knowing what you want to write about. Well, be careful what you wish for. Friday afternoon, slipping into the Twitter stream without warning (for most of us) was the news that the CA Board had not renewed Phil Nelson's contract as President of the Columbia Association. A big shout-out to Luke Lavoie for starting off with a tersely written press release and working to flesh it out into something more like actual communication on a Friday night. In the hours between the press release and the subsequent update, curious folks had nothing to do but wonder. "Inquiring minds want to know." We have an announcement and precious little information. We are only human. So, we begin to speculate. My daughter and I were hashing out various scenarios in the car on the way to the Mall. My husband said n...

Today we are going to a wedding at the National Cathedral, for two friends who were in our wedding almost fifteen years ago. There is so much I could say about this, but I won't.   Suffice it to say that these are two people who befriended me at a rough time in my life and who were, in a sense, midwives to the relationship which became my marriage and present family. They stood by me. And us.   This week I heard the Baltimore Men's Chorus sing these words, written by Thoreau. In lieu of explanations, recollections, or wishes I share them in honor of Gerry and Travis. Two sturdy oaks I mean, which side by side, Withstand the winter's storm, And spite of wind and tide, Grow up the meadow's pride, For both are strong Above they barely touch, but undermined Down to their deepest source, Admiring you shall find Their roots are intertwined Insep'rably.     Posted with Blogsy

Sending out thanks and positive vibes this afternoon to Phil Nelson, who will be leaving his position as President of CA effective April 30, 2014. Offering here a reprint of an early Village Green/Town Squared post, entitled, "Phil Nelson Is On My Refrigerator".   May 11, 2011 (originally posted on Columbia Patch)   Phil Nelson Is On My Refrigerator   Yes, you read that right. I have a picture of CA President Phil Nelson on my refrigerator. Is my husband jealous? I haven't asked him. Should he be jealous of this bit of "beefcake"showing Mr. Nelson in his swimsuit, smiling from the pool at Supreme Sports Club? Of course not. So, why is it there? Personal connections. This is the first piece of promotional material I have ever received from CA that made me seriously consider joining. I've met Mr. Nelson, heard him speak, watched him participate in meetings, even had a bit of small talk with him. And it occurs to me that posing topless in a p...

Fingers are important. We do a lot with them. They figure prominently in many of our idioms . Pointing a finger, wrapped around a little finger, working fingers to the bone...and that is just scratching the surface. (Insert rim shot here.) The classic 60's/70's comedy sketch show "Laugh In" used to present an enormous finger trophy: the "Flying Fickle Finger of Fate" award. Wikipedia states: The Flying Fickle Finger of Fate Award, salutes actual dubious achievements by the government or famous people, such as the announcement of a new Veterans Administration hospital to be erected in Southern California shortly after another such facility was destroyed in the Sylmar earthquake of 1971. The trophy is a gilt, outstretched finger atop a square base. I am resurrecting the Flying Fickle Finger of Fate as a way of recognizing the crazy world of political financing which has so many of my friends clicking "refresh" in order to sort out the monet...

Have you ever noticed that Facebook seems to be the place where people get to have their little Seinfeld moments and say, "What's up with that?" It might be an odd experience at the store, a weird quote from a politician, or the way our brains work or don't work. Social media gives us a chance to say: Seriously? And the response is mostly likely: I know, right? The other day my husband posted this: Is the term "planning ahead" redundant? Shouldn't we just say "planning"? A discussion followed. Almost all respondents were in agreement. But I am not. Although I am not the greatest in the planning department, I do recognize different types of planning: short-term, mid-range, long-range. I think "planning ahead" refers to the ones not immediately on one's doorstep. And that's where you come in. Yes, you. There will be Columbia Village elections in April. If you have been concerned about things happening in your Village, ...

I'm excited about tonight. It's been on the calendar for awhile now. I've cleared my schedule, planned my outfit, set a little money aside... I'm stepping out on the town with my best girls for a little ladies' night fun, at the Second Chance, of course. Village Green meets HoCoHouseHon with a little Bridge to Tomorrow thrown in. I am anticipating drinks and snacks, possibly dinner and some all-around silliness and good fun. A most excellent way to face the ides of January, don't you think? For all of you word geeks out there, here's this from Merriam-Webster: Definition of STEP OUT 1. to go away from a place usually for a short distance and for a short time 2. to go or march at a vigorous or increased pace 3. die 4. to lead an active social life 5. to be unfaithful —usually used with on Wow. That is way more definition than I was looking for at this hour of the morning. Let me assure you that I have no intention of dying or cheating on ...

I work with special needs preschoolers. I love my work. I bring music and creative movement to sixteen schools in the Howard County School System. My students have a wide variety of abilities and disabilities. But they have one vital characteristic in common. They are all beautiful. It does not matter if they are not typically developing preschoolers. It does not matter if their bodies are not fully symmetrical, or their behaviors are difficult or unexpected. They are beautiful human beings who deserve care, respect and a chance to learn, grow, and enjoy life. In our culture we tend to support the adorable-ness of babies and young children. So, even though some of these children might not look "normal", they are more easily accepted as "cute". We just love "cute", don't we? We open our hearts and minds to it. Occasionally I run into groups of developmentally disabled adults when I am shopping. It might be the grocery, the dollar store, or Five ...

Yikes! I've been tagged by a member of my Music PLN to participate in a bloggy questionnaire. If Catherine Dwinal were not one of the most wonderful, brilliant, and energetic people on the planet, I would have given this one a pass. However... Take a look at her blog and you'll see what I mean. Now, to the challenge! Share 11 random facts about yourself. I was the star of the fourth grade play. I have terrible fine motor skills. I once considered a career in food service. I love lavender-scented sheets. I chose Elizabeth, mother of John, as my saint's name because she is not a virgin, widow, or martyr. I once had an irrational fear of old birthday party balloons. I sang in the Yale Freshman Chorus even though I didn't go to Yale. I attended a party at Mount Holyoke where Albert, Prince of Monaco, was rumored to be in attendance. I am eligible to be a Daughter of the American Revolution and a Daughter of the Confederacy, but have never pursued...

I was thrilled to see this article by Sara Toth, local Education reporter. I am also extremely grateful that the Howard County PTA is taking a stand against administering the MSA's this year. Now that we have shifted to using the Common Core Curriculum, the MSA's are no longer a relevant or useful assessment. But they're going to give them anyway? Just because " We have to "? It is the responsibility of the Howard County School System to put the educational needs of its students first. Administering these tests when they no longer correspond with our curriculum and will not provide useful information about our students is a violation of their mandate. Standing on the side of rules, regulations and legalism is not where our school system should be. I don't care if if standing up for the rights of our children is considered tilting at windmills. It is our responsibility to hold the school system to its promises. They seem to need a reminder right now. H...

This morning I've been hunting down a phrase on Google: the dread argument of the individual case. I thought it was "a thing". I thought I would find plenty of entries, possibly even a Wikipedia article explain its meaning and origins. No such luck. It turns out that the reason this phrase stuck in my head is that it's from my favorite book in the whole world: The Age of Innocence, by Edith Wharton. "But to love Ellen Olenska was not to become a man like Lefferts: for the first time Archer found himself face to face with the dread argument of the individual case ." Book II, Chapter XXXI Yesterday I was surprised and concerned by the school system decision to have school as usual in the face of extreme cold. There was plenty of discussion online about this, on both sides of the argument. There are plenty of things to consider, either way: Children waiting for buses Children walking to school Children inadequately dressed And on the other...

  Photo Montage by Margo.   ***** Show your Second Chance love by nominating them in the "Favorite Bar or Tavern" category in the Maryland Restaurant Association's 60th Annual Stars of the Industry Awards Gala. This is another another concrete way that supporters can show their commitment to Keeping the Second Chance On The Map. Please share this information with your friends! Thanks.   Posted with Blogsy

No post today-- it's a Migraine Monday. But here's some important information from Councilman Ball's Office: Quarterly Meeting, Board of Education and County Council C. Vernon Gray Conference Room 3430 Court House Drive Ellicott City, MD 21043 January 8, 201 4 8:15 a.m.   Agenda Walking path near Dunloggin Middle School and Northfield Elementary School Distribution of children (# and %age) eligible for free and reduced price meals (FARMS) among schools and correlation with academic performance in the schools The public is welcome to attend. Posted with Blogsy

This just in from Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services:   "There has been quite a bit of concern about the department approved fireworks activity in the County this evening. Needless to say, we could have done a better job informing our community that the event was going to take place. As we all share and learn about the use of social media as a method to keep our community informed, we at HCDFRS apologize for creating any concern by the citizens and visitors to our County ." ***** I arrived home last evening to the sound of fireworks in the distance and a small explosion of concern on social media. I was not the only one who heard the fireworks. In fact, the sound seemed to be carrying quite a distance. At one point I was following four distinct threads on Facebook. There was a significant amount of concern. Basically, it boiled down to this: if you hear explosions, and it isn't a time you expect to be hearing fireworks, then what is it? Is i...

I have now lived slightly more of my life in Columbia than I did in Baltimore. I arrived in Baltimore in 1985 and, over the course of fourteen years, lived in three different apartments in Bolton Hill and two in Rodgers Forge. Before that: Princeton, NJ; South Hadley, MA; Stamford, CT; and Cleveland, OH. I say this to prove that I have been other places. Last week I drove to Parkville to pick up an item I was purchasing on Craigslist. As soon as we got off the highway and onto the local roads I felt the difference. Joppa Road, Putty Hill are all familiar to me as places to shop when I lived in Rodgers Forge. But now it all looked different. There's plenty of retail on Route 40, but is all set back from the road. It was interesting how much I felt that difference. The businesses seem crowded up towards the street. Then we entered a neighborhood of modest brick houses with neat little front yards. Everything felt foreign to me. In the past fourteen years I have grown used to C...

We may have passed the tipping point at the Winter Solstice, but it is still dark, and cold. We may be starting to put away the trappings of our holiday celebrations, but we still need to keep a candle burning in our hearts to get through the days ahead. One time-honored tradition to fight back against the darkness of the season is music. There will be music, frivolity, drama, and general carryings-on, followed by wine and dessert. A free-will offering will be taken for the Clutha Pub Disaster Relief Fund. A Facebook page for this event is here . Join us!     Posted with Blogsy

If you are thinking of how you would like to change, grow, and improve in the new year, I would like to recommend to you the following article : "Dog Training Tips That May Also Work On Your Husband" In addition to being both brief and humorous, it also contains valuable insight into how we should be treating ourselves on our journeys of self improvement. I once read a description of how having a successful relationship with one's husband was very similar to training a dog to bring the newspaper up to the house. How? Well, the process of fetching the newspaper is actually made up of many tiny behaviors that the dog needs to master. For example: getting the paper, remembering to come back to the house, bringing the paper up the sidewalk, bringing it up on the porch, bringing it in the house, getting it without ripping it to shreds, and so on. The key to that mastery? Rewarding approximation. It's key that every successful step on the way is celebrated. The dog ...