Every year Abiding Savior Lutheran Church has a Flea Market. Every year, they choose a charitable cause and donate one hundred per cent of the proceeds. Every year, the Flea Market makes much more money than you would think possible. All of that is amazing enough, but not as amazing as this: every year, people have more -- much more -- stuff to donate. Where does it all come from? The miracle of the loaves and fishes could not have been more impressive than this.
Flea Market Week has its own succession of rituals. My favorite is called "The Great Unpacking." Early in the week, volunteers gather to participate in a liturgy of unloading, unpacking, and categorizing mounds of donations. Our Fearless Leader lures in her helpers with promises of free pizza, which is probably how adults motivate their offspring to come along to assist in the proceedings. Our communion is pizza and soda eaten standing up, without plates, in between forages into costume jewelry, books, linens, and knick-knacks.
When mac was in a stroller her job was, apparently,to test out all of the toy donations as soon as they were set up. As she got older, she was a cheerful "gofer" from table to table, then graduated to setting up and curating the stuffed animal display on the piano. Now, at eleven, she unloads bags and boxes, makes judgments on whether an item truly belongs on the Christmas table, and entertains younger children.
Last night I was struck by how many items were ephemeral. Items which had been so "cutting edge" in their day, but now were obsolete, in some cases, unrecognizable. Here were items 'new in package' from the 1960's--a portable clothes line set in plastic, which probably cost 39 cents at the five and ten, saved and never used. A pristine storage container for floppy disks. Shrink-wrapped VHS tapes.
Are we in the process of a Great Unpacking in Columbia? Is this our responsibility in 2012--to go through what we have saved and decide what is worth keeping? We may find things we set aside in the early years that are clean and untouched, and unusable. Irrelevant. Other things, like many of the classic items at the Flea Market, will be a bit worn from love and use, but are worth saving. Ideas which were "made well" and hold up over time.
Like the ASLC volunteers, we may have differing views on the value of what we are finding, and in which category it belongs. We may not even know what we are lugging around from our past, and need to ask for help someone who would know best.
They say the unexamined life is not worth living. Last night I felt that I was examining the bits and pieces of other people's lives, and it made me think. I believe in the sincerity of the effort of going through the baggage of our community life in Columbia. It's not just about getting rid of the old to make room for the new. It is about examining what we have, understanding who we are, and taking the time to cherish what is worth saving.
hocoblogs@@@
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Market Research
Last seen on Facebook, with names removed to protect the innocent:
Finish this sentence: I would come to my farmer's market more often if it had________________
Artisan cheese. (This post is for my wife...who decides what Farmers Markets we go to)
Bear in mind, my village is Owen Brown, and I feel strangely
possessive of its farmers market.
"If it had weekend or after work
hours." Since it currently does not I go to Oakland Mills. So "if it
had more greens."
Me: I am
wondering about added attractions which would make a Farmer's Market
more of a "happening." Live music? Children's activities? A cafe set up
for sipping coffee and eating fresh bakery treats?
Artisan vodka.
Me:...and free samples?
. . . moved with me. ;) I miss being able to walk up the street to it!!! :)
You can't go wrong with a moon bounce as a family magnet.
Live music
Goat yogurt.
... hot models in bikinis giving car washes!
Different hours. It may work for people in the Oakland Mills Interfaith Center. . .but not for other church goers.
Me: I know! But since there are a variety all over the
area, they offer different hours from the OM one. Not everyone goes to
church, and working folks need non-weekday times.
Saturday hours so that I didn't have to miss church to get the early fresh produce.
Me: Isn't there a Saturday one someplace?
Flea market? I would totally dig a venue for impromptu garage sales. Agree in re OB farmer's market.
I
usually just go to the stand on Oakland Mills Road. . .Pete's? Easy to
get to and I don't have to try to remember which days it is open. Of
course, they don't have bakery products.
Me: But they DO have snowballs!
Things that make it an event. Put one at the lakefront at the start of Friday nightconcerts/movies
so folks might buy some provisions for a picnic dinner or just impulse
buy some groceries for the weekend. Make a big-deal weekend market like
Olney's. Perhaps the library could have outdoor story time under a
canopy at the current East Columbia market so parents can shop with kids
somewhat in tow. Have gardening and cooking demos/Q&A booths.
Shade
Me: Shade, water tables and a sprinkler pad.
Exactly!
Air conditioning
I like the cafe idea. Maybe if the coffee guy could bring a big
thermos of ready-made coffee, and we set up a table with chairs , people
would have a chance to linger and chat. Yet another thing to look
forward to, especially if there was music.
***********
***********
In this completely unscientific sample I notice a breakdown emerging which mirrors our well-known conflict between Village Centers and Big Box Stores, Neighborhood versus Downtown. The HoCo Farmers Markets provide a number of market days and hours in different locations. Doing this provides choice and, for many, the convenience of taking a reusable shopping bag and walking or biking to the farmers market nearby.
On the other hand, some folks appear to think that this arrangement dilutes the impact of the Farmers Market Experience. They envision more vendors, and a wider variety of vendors, a more centralized location, activities, live music, perhaps cafe seating.
Descriptions of the big "happening" market hints at a deeper yearning for a vibrant, inviting downtown experience. Aren't we hearing a desire for a community experience: walkabout shopping, music, eating, drinking, fun for kids?
Columbia Aquatics spent a good deal of time wrestling with the issue of neighborhood pools vs. destination pools. It would appear that their is a similar tension at work as we look at neighborhood vs. destination Farmers Markets.
Fresh food, support for local agriculture, a chance to see neighbors and friends--our Howard County Farmers Markets provide these opportunities throughout the growing season. And we--typical HoCoLocals--want to tinker with it, put ourselves into the mix, and make it "just right."
Me? I'm all for moon bounces, a misting/cooling tent, and a place to sit down with an iced coffee.
And--hmm--what about free wi-fi?
hocoblogs@@@
Thursday, May 24, 2012
The Real Battle of the Board
The next election for school board members isn't until November, but that hasn't kept issues concerning the board out of the news. We have been fortunate, I believe, to have local news supplemented by the Hoco Blogger community on this topic. However, there is one issue that I don't see anyone covering. I hereby issue a Village Green/Town Squared Challenge to local news outlets and bloggers to address the following:
Does the Board exist solely to receive information and directives from Central Office/Superintendent and vote yea or nay,
OR
Does the Board have the right and/or responsibility to ask for/require evidence, metrics, background information to make decisions? Can they use said information to make their own suggestions in regard to the issues submitted to them?
In my opinion, this is probably the biggest divide on the School Board right now. Although Mr. Dyer has taken up a good deal of the Board's time, getting rid of him does not solve this particular problem. And it isn't necessarily a "Throw out the old!" problem, either. There is a serious philosophical divide on what the role of the Board is meant to be. I believe each side is completely sincere in its point of view.
I'd like to see the community get involved in this discussion. In addition, I'd like to see someone in the traditional media do some serious investigative journalism on how something called the Integrated Approach (IA Reading, IA Math) came to be, and how it turned from an idea into a mandated program in Howard County. I believe that such an investigation would tell us a good deal about interaction between Central Office and the Board--what it has been in the past, and what that has meant for our students.
So, please--journalists and bloggers--take the challenge and get this discussion out in front of the public. The Village Green/Town Squared motto, "Learn More, Think More", has never been more appropriate. The more we learn, the more we think, the better our decisions will be in November.
hocoblogs@@@
Does the Board exist solely to receive information and directives from Central Office/Superintendent and vote yea or nay,
OR
Does the Board have the right and/or responsibility to ask for/require evidence, metrics, background information to make decisions? Can they use said information to make their own suggestions in regard to the issues submitted to them?
In my opinion, this is probably the biggest divide on the School Board right now. Although Mr. Dyer has taken up a good deal of the Board's time, getting rid of him does not solve this particular problem. And it isn't necessarily a "Throw out the old!" problem, either. There is a serious philosophical divide on what the role of the Board is meant to be. I believe each side is completely sincere in its point of view.
I'd like to see the community get involved in this discussion. In addition, I'd like to see someone in the traditional media do some serious investigative journalism on how something called the Integrated Approach (IA Reading, IA Math) came to be, and how it turned from an idea into a mandated program in Howard County. I believe that such an investigation would tell us a good deal about interaction between Central Office and the Board--what it has been in the past, and what that has meant for our students.
So, please--journalists and bloggers--take the challenge and get this discussion out in front of the public. The Village Green/Town Squared motto, "Learn More, Think More", has never been more appropriate. The more we learn, the more we think, the better our decisions will be in November.
hocoblogs@@@
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Come Play the Game of Life, HoCo Style
It takes a lot of people to make our county run. For a moment, lets consider these folks: store clerks, janitors, nurses’ aides, child care workers, office cleaners, groundskeepers/landscaping crews, fast food workers, stock personnel, day laborers. We need all of them, and more, in Howard County. They are the working poor. But where do they live?
We all know how expensive it is to live in the #hoco. I don't buy the argument that, "so what, if you can't afford it, don't live here." These jobs are here, they serve to make this a desirable community, and the folks who are working them often can't afford cars, and options for commuting are limited. So the folks with fewer options are doing jobs that need to be done, and they need to live close to where they work.
What do you do to earn a living? Do you work in Howard County? Do you need to drive somewhere out of the county to work? Do area transit options meet your needs, in or out of the county? How much does your commute cost you? Do the answers to these questions add up to a crisis for you and your family?
If your answer is yes, then you can turn to Bridges to Housing Stability. Jane O'Leary, Executive Director, shared the following information with me:
· Re-housing – helping homeless households who are ready to do so, to move into permanent housing, often without entering shelter
· Temporary Housing – providing housing to homeless families while they work on their goal of achieving permanent housing
However, if your answer to the questions above was no, I'd like to suggest that you buy a ticket for this year's Columbia Home Tour. (Sunday, June 3, 2012, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) Their mission:
The Columbia Home Tour creates a sense of community while celebrating the history of Columbia and the uniqueness of the people who live in this community by showcasing interesting Columbia homes and donating a portion of the event’s profits to a local charity that provides services to Columbia residents.
This year's charity? You guessed it-- Bridges to Housing Stability, which is an active partner in Howard County Plan to End Homelessness.
It may feel ironic, taking in the beautiful homes of folks who clearly do have housing stability, in order to help those who don't. In fact, it points out that everyone can find their own way to help--those who have beautiful homes can share them for a day. Those of us with more ordinary dwellings can spend $20.00 to enjoy our community and help others.
Participate--share your money and your time to be a part of this community event. As an added bonus participants are invited to attend a reception at Claret Hall in River Hill between 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. and enjoy displays provided by Columbia Archives and information about Bridges to Housing Stability.
As if that weren't enough incentive, you can see me and some very cool Oakland Mills women as docents in one of this year's homes. When I'm finished with my shift, I'm going here.
hocoblogs@@@
We all know how expensive it is to live in the #hoco. I don't buy the argument that, "so what, if you can't afford it, don't live here." These jobs are here, they serve to make this a desirable community, and the folks who are working them often can't afford cars, and options for commuting are limited. So the folks with fewer options are doing jobs that need to be done, and they need to live close to where they work.
What do you do to earn a living? Do you work in Howard County? Do you need to drive somewhere out of the county to work? Do area transit options meet your needs, in or out of the county? How much does your commute cost you? Do the answers to these questions add up to a crisis for you and your family?
If your answer is yes, then you can turn to Bridges to Housing Stability. Jane O'Leary, Executive Director, shared the following information with me:
Bridges is a non-profit anti-homelessness
organization that serves Howard County through our Housing Stability
Program. This serves low-income households in three tracks:
· Prevention – helping households that are at-risk to stay in their homes or move to more affordable housing· Re-housing – helping homeless households who are ready to do so, to move into permanent housing, often without entering shelter
· Temporary Housing – providing housing to homeless families while they work on their goal of achieving permanent housing
However, if your answer to the questions above was no, I'd like to suggest that you buy a ticket for this year's Columbia Home Tour. (Sunday, June 3, 2012, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.) Their mission:
The Columbia Home Tour creates a sense of community while celebrating the history of Columbia and the uniqueness of the people who live in this community by showcasing interesting Columbia homes and donating a portion of the event’s profits to a local charity that provides services to Columbia residents.
This year's charity? You guessed it-- Bridges to Housing Stability, which is an active partner in Howard County Plan to End Homelessness.
It may feel ironic, taking in the beautiful homes of folks who clearly do have housing stability, in order to help those who don't. In fact, it points out that everyone can find their own way to help--those who have beautiful homes can share them for a day. Those of us with more ordinary dwellings can spend $20.00 to enjoy our community and help others.
Participate--share your money and your time to be a part of this community event. As an added bonus participants are invited to attend a reception at Claret Hall in River Hill between 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. and enjoy displays provided by Columbia Archives and information about Bridges to Housing Stability.
As if that weren't enough incentive, you can see me and some very cool Oakland Mills women as docents in one of this year's homes. When I'm finished with my shift, I'm going here.
hocoblogs@@@
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Under The Shining People Tree (reprint)
The following is reprinted from my post of May 26, 2011, on Columbia Patch.
***
I moved to Columbia in the late spring of 1999, on the verge of beginning a new life. I knew very little of Columbia except that it was planned, and that it was extremely easy to get lost here.
Since I continued to commute to Baltimore City for several more years, I was limited in my time and energy for exploring. I learned how to get to the grocery, the gas station, and the mall.
In 2003 I began to work for Columbia School Aged Services. As a part of my training, I attended an orientation session designed to impart both the history and philosophy of The Columbia Experience. I was excited to explore my new land.
It didn’t go as well as I had hoped. Probably the worst occasion was when I dragged my family down to The Lakefront to see The People Tree, which I had learned was a symbol of all things Columbia. It was beautiful—there’s no denying that. The vista at the lakefront was lovely. And still. And barren.
There was no one there. It took on an incredibly creepy aura to me.
Little by little, I came to believe that Columbia was a beautiful experiment that had happened before I got here, and I had missed it. Like an awkward anecdote followed by, “I guess you had to be there.”
I hadn’t been there, I didn’t know what I was supposed to know, and I couldn’t afford the pools, the nice restaurants, the lovely gourmet stores, and the upscale arts events.
In the years since then something has changed: my decision to grow and evolve as a member of my village—Oakland Mills. Through participation in events, volunteering, serving on the board, and getting involved in community-based social media, I found my own way to put down roots.
As a celebration of this ongoing change, I decided to attend the first Lakefront Concert this year on May 11. Although the day was beautiful, I still had some trepidation about returning to the too-perfect atmosphere of The People Tree.
When I arrived, I felt cheered by the sound of bluegrass music and the sight of people on the lawn. I wandered around the edges of the event, trying to decide whether to stay.
And then I saw it: a plaque honoring the first class of Columbia children to start in kindergarten and graduate from high school. I scanned the names, wondering if any of these people had stayed to continue The Grand Experiment, or if they had flown the New Town Nest. As I was turning away, one name caught me: Timothy J. Lea.
This is what I know about Timothy J. Lea: He is a warm, hospitable man, and a great dad. He is welcoming, unassuming, and—wait for it—he’s still here, raising his kids in Hickory Ridge.
I don’t know why that meant so much to me, but it did. I turned again to survey the scene and felt for the first time since 1999 that this was my Columbia, too.
At that moment I spied a friend on the hill, who raised a hand in greeting.
***
I will be headed down to catch Damon Foreman today, weather permitting. Maybe I will see you there.
hocoblogs@@@
***
I moved to Columbia in the late spring of 1999, on the verge of beginning a new life. I knew very little of Columbia except that it was planned, and that it was extremely easy to get lost here.
Since I continued to commute to Baltimore City for several more years, I was limited in my time and energy for exploring. I learned how to get to the grocery, the gas station, and the mall.
In 2003 I began to work for Columbia School Aged Services. As a part of my training, I attended an orientation session designed to impart both the history and philosophy of The Columbia Experience. I was excited to explore my new land.
It didn’t go as well as I had hoped. Probably the worst occasion was when I dragged my family down to The Lakefront to see The People Tree, which I had learned was a symbol of all things Columbia. It was beautiful—there’s no denying that. The vista at the lakefront was lovely. And still. And barren.
There was no one there. It took on an incredibly creepy aura to me.
Little by little, I came to believe that Columbia was a beautiful experiment that had happened before I got here, and I had missed it. Like an awkward anecdote followed by, “I guess you had to be there.”
I hadn’t been there, I didn’t know what I was supposed to know, and I couldn’t afford the pools, the nice restaurants, the lovely gourmet stores, and the upscale arts events.
In the years since then something has changed: my decision to grow and evolve as a member of my village—Oakland Mills. Through participation in events, volunteering, serving on the board, and getting involved in community-based social media, I found my own way to put down roots.
As a celebration of this ongoing change, I decided to attend the first Lakefront Concert this year on May 11. Although the day was beautiful, I still had some trepidation about returning to the too-perfect atmosphere of The People Tree.
When I arrived, I felt cheered by the sound of bluegrass music and the sight of people on the lawn. I wandered around the edges of the event, trying to decide whether to stay.
And then I saw it: a plaque honoring the first class of Columbia children to start in kindergarten and graduate from high school. I scanned the names, wondering if any of these people had stayed to continue The Grand Experiment, or if they had flown the New Town Nest. As I was turning away, one name caught me: Timothy J. Lea.
This is what I know about Timothy J. Lea: He is a warm, hospitable man, and a great dad. He is welcoming, unassuming, and—wait for it—he’s still here, raising his kids in Hickory Ridge.
I don’t know why that meant so much to me, but it did. I turned again to survey the scene and felt for the first time since 1999 that this was my Columbia, too.
At that moment I spied a friend on the hill, who raised a hand in greeting.
***
I will be headed down to catch Damon Foreman today, weather permitting. Maybe I will see you there.
hocoblogs@@@
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Oh, and One More Thing...
Before I shuffle off from the scene of the Oakland Mills Board in my rumpled raincoat, there's one last piece of news I want to share with the hocosphere. It's about why trash is trash, poop is poop, and why good customer service will put you at the top of the heap.
On Thursday April 18, mac and I participated in the 20 minute Howard County Cleanup. We walked to the top of Timesweep with a trash bag and gloves, and cleaned up the entrance area into the new Blandair Park. There is no official waste receptacle near this pedestrian entrance, and it was beginning to look a bit "trashy."
We were dismayed to discover that quite a few folks had been bringing their dogs up into the park to relieve themselves. mac was both disgusted and indignant. She's waited her entire life for this park--how could people do this?
When we went home I posted about our experience on Twitter, and was advised by fellow blogger Wendi to address my Tweet to @LiveGreenHoward. Here is what followed.
April 19th:
@LiveGreenHoward
20 minute clean up accomplished! mac and mom, top of Timesweep at Blandair. Rec
&Parks--need signs "Pick up after dog"!
@macsmom
Thanks so much for making a difference in 20 minutes! I'll pass along your note
to Rec&Parks too.
@macsmom
Blandair Park Mgr has been notified and the pet waste stations will be up asap.
Thanks for letting us know!
@LiveGreenHoward
You are the coolest! Thank you so much. I'll def. be doing more 20min. Cleanups
in your honor!
On Thursday April 18, mac and I participated in the 20 minute Howard County Cleanup. We walked to the top of Timesweep with a trash bag and gloves, and cleaned up the entrance area into the new Blandair Park. There is no official waste receptacle near this pedestrian entrance, and it was beginning to look a bit "trashy."
We were dismayed to discover that quite a few folks had been bringing their dogs up into the park to relieve themselves. mac was both disgusted and indignant. She's waited her entire life for this park--how could people do this?
When we went home I posted about our experience on Twitter, and was advised by fellow blogger Wendi to address my Tweet to @LiveGreenHoward. Here is what followed.
April 19th:
April 23rd:
April 24th:
The first thing you will notice is that the conversation is punctuated by quite a few exclamation points. You can get pretty excited about cleaning up in Howard County. And Tweeters can be an enthusiastic bunch. But the overall message is clear--the folks at LiveGreenHoward are at the top of their game. They listen, they are paying attention, and they are making connections to solve problems. Whoever is keeping an eye on that account took responsibility instead of making excuses.
Wow--do you think they might consider running for the school board?
hocoblogs@@@
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Leave "Em While You're looking Good
Tonight is my last meeting as a member of the Oakland Mills Village Board. I've decided that I needed to take a break, because the year coming up will be a life-changing one for me: my oldest is getting married in September, and my youngest is making the transition to Middle School. (Thanks goodness there isn't one in between!) This is a year I need to devote to my family.
It isn't any easy decision to make because I have learned so much in the past two years. If you really want to know the "skinny" on what is going on in your Village, plus greater Columbia, and even, to some degree, in Howard County, you should serve on a Village Board. Yes, you have to put the time in, but the education is phenomenal. And your feeling of ownership in your community increases.
I think that most people assume that being on a Village Board is about going to meetings. The Oakland Mills Board has two meetings a month. But you might be surprised how many other things I have done over the last several years that stem from Board membership. Let me see now, since being elected, I have:
visited homes to see their connection to Route 29
started a children's music/dance event at the Second Chance Saloon
given testimony in front of the CA Board
served as a docent for the Columbia Home Tour
sung "Happy Birthday" to Lavenia Nesmith at a Jazz in the Mills Concert
run a children's art activity table at the Oakland Mills Art Show
eaten many a burger at half-price burger night with fellow board members
run the wagon rides for children activity at the Oakland Mills Cultural Arts Festival
given testimony in front of the Howard County Council
become a Hocoblogger
I have been privileged to work with a variety of excellent Board members, and with a Village Manager who never stops thinking Oakland Mills, not even when she sleeps. If I'm lucky, I'll get the opportunity to do it again, once I have this year behind me.
On the other hand, if lots of other folks get inspired to run for the Board, well, that would be even more of a victory for Columbia. I'll just find a different way to serve where I am most needed.
Whatever your talents are, your Village can use them. Who says being on a Village Board isn't exciting?
hocoblogs@@@
It isn't any easy decision to make because I have learned so much in the past two years. If you really want to know the "skinny" on what is going on in your Village, plus greater Columbia, and even, to some degree, in Howard County, you should serve on a Village Board. Yes, you have to put the time in, but the education is phenomenal. And your feeling of ownership in your community increases.
I think that most people assume that being on a Village Board is about going to meetings. The Oakland Mills Board has two meetings a month. But you might be surprised how many other things I have done over the last several years that stem from Board membership. Let me see now, since being elected, I have:
visited homes to see their connection to Route 29
started a children's music/dance event at the Second Chance Saloon
given testimony in front of the CA Board
served as a docent for the Columbia Home Tour
sung "Happy Birthday" to Lavenia Nesmith at a Jazz in the Mills Concert
run a children's art activity table at the Oakland Mills Art Show
eaten many a burger at half-price burger night with fellow board members
run the wagon rides for children activity at the Oakland Mills Cultural Arts Festival
given testimony in front of the Howard County Council
become a Hocoblogger
I have been privileged to work with a variety of excellent Board members, and with a Village Manager who never stops thinking Oakland Mills, not even when she sleeps. If I'm lucky, I'll get the opportunity to do it again, once I have this year behind me.
On the other hand, if lots of other folks get inspired to run for the Board, well, that would be even more of a victory for Columbia. I'll just find a different way to serve where I am most needed.
Whatever your talents are, your Village can use them. Who says being on a Village Board isn't exciting?
hocoblogs@@@
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