Village Green/Town²

  A college student went missing. His family and friends were distraught. The community was encouraged to be on the lookout and spread the word.  Days passed.  They must have been agonizing days for those who cared about the missing student. Thoughts that foul play had been involved cannot have been far from their thoughts.  Then, at last, the student was found. Alive. The news was shared with the public.  So. Much. Relief. A family had been reunited with their child. Even though we know that life is complicated, I think it is okay to accept this as a happy ending and leave it at that.  But the world of social media says no. For every expression of joy at the news came questions and even judgement. It became clear to me that some folks felt entitled to an explanation. They wanted the backstory. It’s as though they felt that, by enlisting the help of the public on social media, the authorities now owed them all the details. Television dramas often weave curr...

  Does football attract violence? Does football encourage violence?  I don’t know. I do know that it’s an inherently violent sport. The fact that the United States continues to celebrate football when the incidence of Traumatic Brain Injury in players (even under the age of 18) has been well-documented tells me that we tolerate violence.  It’s just a part of the game.  When I think about the activities that young people participate in at the high school level, I have a hard time coming up with any that have the culture of violence that football does.  To be clear: all kids can get into problems with drugs and alcohol. And even one or two charismatic and unkind classmates can turn any group into a toxic environment. It could be band, cheerleading, or the student business leaders. None are exempt because adolescence is a struggle.  But it seems to me that the behavior on display at Howard High School - - which has caused the cancellation of the rest of the ...

  How would you define the word “boutique”? According to Merriam Webster: I’ve got boutiques on my mind this morning after reading about the opening of Victorian Flower Child.  Boutique offering vintage, handmade designs opens in Old Ellicott City , April Santana, Baltimore Sun Well, of course it’s in Old Ellicott City. Where else would it be? Victorian Flower Child is owned by Jenesse Wannall, longtime associate of designer Lee Andersen. Ms. Wannall describes her business on her Yelp listing as follows: We are a small batch clothing and accessory company that makes all of our clothes and accessories by hand here in our studio in Maryland. We also upcycle one-of-a kind pieces and fix and resell vintage pieces as well.  Please come and check us out soon at 8370 Main St. Right next to the Wine Bin! So, where is that, exactly? This map is courtesy of Mapquest because Google didn’t even know what the heck I was talking about. Close your eyes for a minute and think. Are there ...

  Are you ready for some tabloid twaddle?  County Council erupts over inspector general’s access to county records , WBFF Fox 45 Really? “Erupts?” I didn’t know our local government was prone to eruption.  Actual eruption courtesy of ABC News  Did people shout and scream? Throw chairs? Stand on the dais? Did angry crowds of observers wave pitchforks and rush at the council? Against my better judgement I invested 3:49 seconds on this Fox News piece and there is NO ERUPTION. I’m not sure it even goes as far as “sparks flew.”  Members of the council disagreed. I guess that qualifies as an “alert the media” moment for the folks at Fox, especially if there’s even a remote possibility of making Black people in leadership look bad. Having watched the piece I feel qualified to ask a question.  The Inspector General says that she doesn’t have access to information she needs as the law stands now. Council member Opel Jones says she does have that access without chang...

  Maybe you have religion. Maybe you don’t. Maybe you celebrate certain religious holidays. Maybe you don’t.  Your celebration of those holidays could be deeply rooted in faith. On the other hand, they might be more of an affirmation of family connection. Or perhaps you observe them in a secular way, as seasonal cultural festivals.  You may have a spiritual practice that I know nothing about which may or may not have recurring holy days. You may be completely areligious.  First things first: whoever you are, you’re welcome here.  I’m writing this not because I want to pry into the religious lives of my readers but rather to address the brouhaha surrounding the proposed HCPSS 2027-2028 calendar.  Howard County Board of Education approves 27-28 school calendar with shortened spring break , Kiersten Hacker, Baltimore Sun There has been some vocal criticism to the new calendar because of the reduction of spring break. And some folks have drawn a straight line f...

  Children learn what they live. Howard County Nature Preschool Sing-Along Circle This short video was shared on YouTube by the North American Association for Environmental Education.  Although it’s labeled as a Sing-Along Circle, I’d say only about the last five seconds or so show the sing-along. What you have here is a one minute and forty-nine second introduction to world of the Nature Center Preschool.  There’s no explanatory narration. It isn’t necessary. The pictures tell the story. We see children exploring the natural environment at the school’s home at Historic Belmont Park, and engaging in hands-on activities in their indoor classroom. The Howard County Nature Preschool is an initiative of the Howard County Conservancy It has been a hard week for many of us who have been contemplating and mourning how childhood can somehow transform into violence and degradation. I invite you to immerse yourself in a different world for a moment. Take a few deep breaths. Imagin...