Summer is Coming

 

Summer is coming. I know this not from anything I see from looking out my windows, nor from anything I feel when I step outside. Honestly, it’s hard to believe that anything is assured these days but here are a few things that tell me that summer is not all that far way

The Howard County Beekeepers Association has announced their annual beekeeping short course. I hear that this is the best introduction for first time beekeepers.

The first session is Wednesday January 29th and the course runs from 7 - 9:15 pm in the Howard County Fairgrounds Dining Hall. Visit their website to learn more and to register. 

Another sign that summer must be on its way? The surge in online adverts for area summer camps. 

1. Kids on Campus already has a digital camp catalogue available and registration opens January 23rd. 
2. I’m not seeing any link to Camps on the Columbia Association website home page, but if you click on Community Programs you will find camps as an option. You’ll find general information there but it looks like online registration isn’t open yet. 
3. You can take a look at Rec and Parks digital summer camp guide  at the Rec and Parks website. Registration for county residents begins February 5th. 

Of course there are many other fascinating hoco summer camp opportunities but I see those as being “the big three” locally. Are there others that you would recommend? By far our best summer camp experience through the years was at Slayton House Camp of the Arts in Wilde Lake. Sadly, that camp no longer exists in its original form. We’ve got great memories, though. 

Are there any other local signs that are reassuring you that summer is coming? I’m not a gardener but I’ve heard that a big part of the off-season involves looking at seed catalogs* and dreaming of next year’s garden.  So I’m imagining the good folks at Clarksville Commons sitting by a toasty fire somewhere while planning this year’s farmers’ markets and community events in the same sort of way. 

What about you? Are you yearning for warmer temperatures or are you perfectly content to enjoy more of the white stuff? I’m usually pretty outspoken about my loathing of heat and humidity but this year’s cold temperatures have me beat. 

Village Green/Town² Comments 

* Speaking of seeds, The Howard County Library is hosting a Seed Share event on January 25th at the Miller Branch from 1 - 4 pm. 

Furry Friends Need Human Helpers

Sometimes the best thing you can do to help a friend is to go for a walk. In this case I’m talking about four legged, furry friends. Small Miracles Animal Rescue in Ellicott City is in need of volunteer dog walkers.

Help! We continue to be very short on volunteers to walk dogs EVERY day at 9 am, noon and 6 pm! This morning and the past two nights, we've only had one volunteer to help staff walk all of the dogs. We make sure they get their needs met, but if we have volunteers, they can get longer walks and have fun in the SNOW! Plus then staff can focus on other needs at the shelter.

If you aren't ready to adopt, how about walking and giving love to some puppers? Just stop by 10236 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City - you don't have to commit to a specific day or time, just come help. Thank you! (FYI: Volunteers must be 18 or older and no, you cannot bring your dog along to help.) Volunteer applications are on the website, or fill one out when you arrive - it won't take long.

Pet lovers can also lend a hand by helping Howard County Animal Control and Adoption Center keep up with the growing number of requests to their pet food bank. 

We have had an increase in the number of requests for our PET FOOD BANK. We are currently low on almost everything. If you would like to help those struggling to feed their pets and keep pets in their homes, you can donate to our shelter. There is a large donation bin at the front doors and our Amazon wish list is below. Thank you.

Howard County Animal Control Amazon Wishlist 

Going off in a tangent here…now that the Maryland General Assembly is in session, I’m wondering how many members of the Howard County Delegation have pets? I believe that delegates Courtney Watson and Jessica Feldmark have dogs, while Delegate Jen Terrasa and family participate in kitten fostering. Anyone else?

Straight out of Wikipedia 

By the way, if you are interested in the kind of animal-centric legislation that will be under consideration during the 2025 session, here’s a good place to start:

Maryland Votes for Animals, Inc.

Here are some of the issues they were considering in last year’s session.

*****

It’s hard to talk about pet rescue, adoption and care right now without thinking about the impact of the wildfires in California. If you are interested in and able to support those efforts, Best Friends Animal Society is requesting monetary donations. Learn more here.

In addition, this info from We Rate Dogs:

The folks at Pasadena Humane are caring for hundreds of animals affected by the fires. They anticipate getting more animals in need of emergency care as the fires rage on. You can help them provide critical resources for displaced animals by donating through the link below.

give.pasadenahumane.org/fire

Village Green/Town² Comments 

New and Notable

 

Last night we picked up dinner from the newly opened Hip Hop Fish and Chicken in Oakland Mills. Like many new restaurants it had fallen into the “long-awaited” category. We are not patient people in these parts. (I wrote about paying a visit to another one of their locations back in April.) From feedback I’ve seen online this area has plenty of Hip Hop fans. My take: the food is fresh, tasty, generous portions. It’s also not the kind of food I can eat all that often - - definitely of the rare treat variety.

More importantly, I hope this brings people to Oakland Mills who might not have been here before.

In a few weeks we’ll be celebrating the opening of another new business, a 7-11 with a gas station. At long last the empty lot at the corner of Stevens Forest and Robert Oliver Place will be filled. It’s been vacant as long as I have lived here.

It has been an uphill climb to find businesses willing to invest in my village. And we all know how the older village centers have been struggling to remain viable. The Oakland Mills Village Center has been particularly challenging because it is comprised of multiple plots of land owned by different owners. So, seeing new investment is pretty exciting to me. 

When potential residents come to OM looking at houses they’re also going to visit the Village Center. If they get a sense that it’s a functioning hub for the neighborhood, that’s a good thing.

Also in the category of the new and different: Ellicott City business Live Unusually has announced a product which will be released with the Live Unusal brand: hot sauce. 

I wrote about this business back in 2023, largely because I was charmed by this video. If you’re interested in trying the new hot sauce, pay them a visit. It will only be available at their store on Old Main Street. I wonder if they recommend it as a gelato topping?

One last thing: today’s your last opportunity to vote on your choice for the new Howard County flag. Don’t miss out. Whatever decision is made it will be better if you participated in it. That’s how this community thing works.

Have a good Sunday. Keep warm!

Village Green/Town² Comments 

That Arc Won’t Bend By Itself

 

One of my favorite quotes from the late Martin Luther King, Jr. is this one:

The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.

At face value it seems to reassure us in hard times that all is not lost. There is hope. But, as we move into a time where the status quo is clearly both a rejection of morality and a mockery of justice, I am reminded that, if the arc of the moral universe is going to bend at all it will be because we bend it. We must struggle with it, wrestle with it, defend it. It will not bend towards justice all by itself.

For many white people, thoughts of racial justice and equality are something “nice to do.” As much as we think we are making these goals a priority within our minds we often do not truly make it our struggle. Issues of race are uncomfortable to talk about and we would much rather feel we are surrounded by by like minded do-gooders so that we can just relax and not think about it.

This is not enough. Especially now where the doors of government have been opened to people who are actively hostile to anti racist ideas and the goals of racial justice, equity, and inclusion are clearly under attack.

If you’re looking for some ways to bend that arc, you have some local opportunities this weekend.

Today from 10 - 2 at the Harriet Tubman Center the State Commission on Lynching will hold a required hearing on Howard County lynchings. This event will be held in person as well as live streamed.

From the Howard County Maryland Lynching Truth and Reconciliation page:

On Saturday January 11, 2025 the state commission on lynching will be conducting their required public hearing regarding Howard County lynchings. This is the flier created by them for the event. The following are confirmed speakers: a descendant of the Henson family, Del. Terri Hill (proponent p/supporter of the legislation that created the commission), Sen. (Ret.)

Michael Bowen Mitchell (ancestor came to HoC to help set up NAACP chapter), Howard County State's Attorney Rich Gibson (speaking about mob violence, rule of law, etc then and now), and others. County history of mob violence in the form of lynching will of course be given at this hearing in which testimony will be given and solicited also from attendees to the commissioners for purposes of the final report they must give to the Governor. Come learn what has been uncovered by research regarding this topic of county history. If YOU have something you'd like to contribute, please plan on attending either in person or virtually.

This link explains more about the event and how to register:

Maryland Lynching Memorial Project

UPDATE: The state commission was advised this morning that the county is under a snow emergency plan. Tubman building is not open. As of right now, it’s been moved to 1130 today (virtua) pending hearing from our presenters to verify it still works for them. Will add info here when I know - - jam

This is exactly the kind of history that some folks are looking to suppress. Even in Maryland which some see as a securely “Blue” or left-leaning state, it has taken a huge amount of effort to bring this to fruition. There’s no guarantee that initiatives like these will continue if we don’t actively advocate for them and support them.

Tonight at Howard Community College, this year’s Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration.

When: Saturday, January 11, 6-8:30 pm Where: Horowitz Center Smith Theatre, HCC

Learn more at the Facebook event page. Register for your free tickets. This event will also be accessible via Facebook Live.

Tomorrow from 1-4 pm at the Harriet Tubman Center: the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.

From the event page:

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) and the Howard County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission invite you to join us at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center for a Day of Service on Sunday January 12, and engage in meaningful service opportunities, education and projects that embody Dr. King's dedication to equality and social justice.

Attendees will be able to choose from several service opportunities, including the Kits to Heart program, where they can create Care Bear Towels and write and decorate handwritten letters for cancer care kits. The event will also host a Voter Registration Drive and a book display by the Howard County Library System and an MLK Read-In of works about Dr. King and the civil rights movement.

The Howard County MLK Holiday Commission will also be collecting non-perishable groceries, baby supplies and personal care items from 12:30-2:30p.m. at several area stores. Visit https:// www.howardcountymd.gov/OHRE-mlk for the most up-to-date listing of participating stores.

To learn more and register, visit the eventbrite page for this event. Hear from members of the MLK Commission about the Day of Service.

This weekend gives us some very concrete examples of how we can remind ourselves to continually reset our inner moral compass so that we can actively engage in bending the arc towards justice. I’m so grateful that our community is committed to doing this work and providing opportunities to come together and learn together.

Village Green/Town² Comments

 

F ³: You Can’t Make Me, or: the Fad I Just Can’t Fathom

 

I don’t remember when it started. But it has certainly picked up momentum since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It pops up every year at about the same time. It appears to be quite popular amongst my friends and its popularity is growing. And it is never, ever going to be for me. 

I have no sense of FOMO. I haven’t the remotest desire to participate. I don’t judge others - - I mean, we all have our interests, right? But the idea of jumping on this bandwagon is, to me, akin to volunteering for root canal surgery. Or picking up a spilled bag of rice with tweezers.

Can you guess what I’m talking about?

Book lists. Annual book tallies. My Year in Books. Here is my organized data. May I see your organized data? I made my quota. I surpassed my quota. Oh well, I’ll do better next year.

Something about all this reminds me of having to fill in the little squares with colored pencils while completing the required reading for the SRA reading comprehension assignments. I mean, the different colored pencils were fun but - - what’s the point?  

You’re reading because it’s fun, it’s interesting, and you might learn something new. Not so you can add it up or check it off.

Keeping track of things has never been my strong suit. I strongly suspect this has something to do with having ADHD. Life has too many things that one absolutely must keep track of. I wrestle with those with varying degrees of success. Why on earth would I want to add another level of difficulty to my life? I just don’t get it.

This is not to say that someone with an ADHD brain can’t do this. Not all brains are the same. If someone gets a dopamine jolt from organizing their reads then it could be the best special interest ever. For them. 

For me? Just the thought of it makes me feel mildly combative.

I love to read and I read for pleasure. When I find a book that I “click” with it is as though my brain has taken flight and I can read solidly for hours and hours without stopping. If I don’t connect I might as well be trying to read a cinder block. It just ain’t happening.

As much as I admire my friends who are capable of applying this level of organization to their reading, I find myself looking at these online conversations with puzzlement. This is not my language. 

I found an article that looks at the reasoning behind this practice.

Why should you have a Reading List?, Norbert Hires blog

Friends, even reading the article was stressful for me. In particular, the suggestion that keeping track of your reading will make you a “Better Book Buddy” just about gave me hives. Does this not bring back memories of Romper Room and exhortations to be a “Do-Bee” and not a “Don’t Be?”

Just me? Oh. Okay.

You love to read. I love to read. We have that in common. But you have the mental bandwidth to keep track of, tally, organize, sort, make visual representations of data- - just for fun. Holy mackerel, that’s impressive. I am so glad it’s a free choice activity because, if I were required to do it, I would stop reading. 

You can enjoy your lists. I will keep the colored pencils. Maybe I’ll draw a picture with them once I’m done reading.

Village Green/Town² Comments

They’ll Leave a Light on For You

 

Do you believe in democracy? I mean, really believe? I’m not just talking about saying the pledge of allegiance or decorating with red, white, and blue on the Fourth of July. If the hardcore values of a democratic society are precious to you and if you are finding current events alarming, I have a suggestion for you.

Get a library card. It’s free, and it gives you access to books, music, movies, magazines and newspapers and much, much more. Take a look at this brief article:

5 Reasons Everyone Should Have a Library Card, Lindsey Simon, I Love Libraries 

But how does that support democracy?

Supporting access to information for all

Libraries are among our country’s most democratic institutions, promoting free and open access to information for everyone. Registering for a library card is one of the easiest ways to support this mission, since libraries use their sign-up stats to prove their value to local policymakers and advocate for much-needed funding. When you sign up for a library card, you’re helping demonstrate that today’s libraries are more important than ever.

So: get a library card. Make sure your kids have them, your grandkids, your spouse. Then make library visits a regular part of your life. If you can’t always make it into the physical library space, check out the website. There’s a ton of online opportunities including downloadable materials, plus online workshops and tutorials. If you want to stay up-to-date about what’s happening at your library and learn more about how to benefit from all that’s on offer, sign up to receive the weekly library newsletter. It’s called HiLights and comes out on Tuesdays.

A certain area newspaper carried the words “Democracy Dies in Darkness” on its masthead which felt inspiring right up until they showed with their own actions exactly how Democracy does die in darkness. By contrast, when it comes to democracy, libraries are the embodiment of that old Motel 6 slogan, “We’ll leave a light on for you.” 

Taking advantage of that light is an effective way to push back on the darkness. It’s one of the simplest participatory ways to defend democracy that you have available to you right now. Plus, it’s a lot easier to talk to friends and coworkers about fun and interesting things going on at the library than trying to get them to turn out to protest, donate to causes, or go to your church, for instance.

The Howard County Library System is celebrating its 85th birthday this year and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate them and democracy than to help them light some candles rather than cursing the darkness.

Image from Howard County Library social media 

Legit

 

I was just scrolling along, minding my own business, when these words caught my eye:

7:10 AM, Fri Jan 3

I have to imagine that hell is a lot like Howard County.

Well! Not the best way to wake up in the morning. I mean, I know that not everyone likes us, and sometimes they even have good reasons. But this seemed rather extreme. The response that followed, however, turned my concern into amusement.

Howard County has some legit Vietnamese restaurants. Hell does not.

Thank goodness we have something going for us. 

Truth be told, I have very little experience with Vietnamese cuisine. I have eaten Pho exactly once, possibly ten years ago. Appalling, I know. I enjoyed the experience well enough but it didn’t become a regular thing with us. 

I wonder if there’s any research on how Americans incorporate new foods into their diets. I grew up in an era when the “ethnic” food available to me was offered by Chinese and Mexican restaurants who adapted their menus to the American palate. My mother still viewed Italian cuisine as the ethnic food of her younger years.

Since then I have been introduced to and come to love Greek food, Middle Eastern food, Indian food, Afghani food, and, to some extent, Turkish food. That feels like a lot until I realize that there are so many possibilities around me locally that I just haven’t delved into: Korean food, Thai, Ethiopian, Vietnamese…

I sometimes feel as though I’d like someone experienced to guide me when exploring new cuisines. A sort of Experienced Eater Companion Service, if you will.

Anyway, back to Hell (or the lack of it.) I went looking for a comprehensive listing of every Vietnamese restaurant in Howard County to present to you here. Yelp was not helpful for this. I went to the Visit Howard County website and they have exactly one Vietnamese restaurant included in their listing, so I am not sure how their listing system works. I searched the website of the Maryland Restaurant Association, whose offices are in Columbia. No dice.

 

I don’t want “If you buy an ad you’re in the listing” or “If you’re been reviewed you’re in the listing.”  I simply want: here are all the Vietnamese restaurants in Howard County in alphabetical order, including their locations. Is this not a thing one can find anymore?

So I’m turning this over to you. Maybe the best advice is by word of mouth anyway. Will you be my Experienced Eater (virtual) companions? What is your go-to hocolocal place for Vietnamese food and what is your favorite menu item? Any advice, suggestions? 

I’ve heard that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions but not, apparently, with “legit Vietnamese restaurants.”  So I have my work cut out for me if I want to be headed in the right direction. Or simply because I’m ready to try something new. 

Village Green/Town² Comments