Controversy? Why Not?

Well!

It’s always the pieces that I work the hardest on and I put out into the world with great hopes than nobody reads. And the ones that I suspect will slip soundlessly into the night turn out to be the ones that everybody reads.

Let that be a lesson to me, I guess.

Some folks seemed to think that I wrote yesterday’s post about one particular person. Holy cow, no. It was about a pattern of behavior which has been employed by a number of people on the local scene, and, as I noted, probably elsewhere. This is not a gossip column. I am not here to churn out breathless hit pieces.

A clarification:

I mentioned my own passionate involvement in 1) covering a certain BOE race and 2) the importance of music education to make it clear that I do know what it’s like to be outspoken about issues because one cares so much about them. But that was not the point of the piece. If that was not clear I sincerely apologize.

When I wrote “It can be a very fine line between caring deeply about something and wanting to rule the world,” I probably should have written: “It can be a very fine line between caring deeply about something and coming across like someone who wants to rule the world,” because I have no way of knowing what motivates other people. I do know that how people engage can have a positive impact or make things worse. I know how their behavior affects me.

That was the point of the piece. And that’s not an attack on anyone who wants to make a difference in community life. We need people like that. I tip my hat to people who go to meetings, ask the important questions, listen to and learn from others, organize for positive change. If you are a regular reader of the blog you know that.

What I object to, and both of these points were stated by other people in the comments (and better than I could’ve done) is this: 

1)…the mentality that “I have an opinion, mine is the only opinion that matters, and if you disagree with me, not only does your opinion count for nothing, but you don't even have the right to have an opinion.”

2) We can’t turn everything into a three alarm fire.

That’s it. In retrospect I think a big chunk of this comes down to whether people understand healthy boundaries. And that I experience both of those behaviors as boundary violations, or at the very least, red flags as to whether I can find the person credible and/or trustworthy. If you like having people shout at you and taking up all the oxygen in the room then you won’t agree with my assessment.

Your mileage may vary, as the cool kids say.

Have a wonderful day. Just a thought: find a moment to really, really listen to someone today. I’ll hold myself to that as well.

Village Green/Town² Comments 

*****

Today in Local HoCo: I invite you to catch the excitement going on in the Village of Wilde Lake as they count down the days ‘til the opening of their new grocery store.

Self-Appointed Czars and Other Hazards

True confession: after reading the reports from Reservoir High School yesterday I actually did double check that the bottle of Barium sulfate waiting in my refrigerator would not render me radioactive. Yes, I should know better but it’s still early in the morning. 

Mysterious ‘uranium’ vial at Howard County high school prompts evacuation, Cody Boteler, The Baltimore Banner 

In case you can’t read that, the upshot is that the school took every precaution and there is no real danger. My apologies to anyone who thought they might get the rest of the week off due to hazardous materials. 

*****

My next topic is inspired by local goings-on but I suspect it’s more a function of human nature and can be found everywhere in one form or another. My current examples are from the world of social media. If you operate more in the real world than I do these days I think you’ll concur that it’s visible anywhere human beings assemble.

My pet peeve this morning is with people who are self-appointed czars. Sometimes they pick one topic and run with it. Or they manage to connect a bunch of things under one umbrella and grandstand about all of them. It becomes their brand. 

They are constant. They are loud. They will use any technique to grab attention. They will brook no disagreement. 

Now it’s possible that I have crossed this line myself in the past - - a particular board of education race comes to mind, and advocacy for music education - - but since I can indulge my passions on the blog I am less likely to put each individual Facebook group on blast in order to get my point across. It can be a very fine line between caring deeply about something and wanting to rule the world. 

I get that. And some days you feel as though no one will listen to you unless you shout. 

But today I am tired of contending with the self-appointed czars largely because the current state of the world is exhausting enough already. And because what they are doing actually makes solving community issues harder. There’s no nuance, no give and take, no problem solving. It’s a one-way street.

Also included in this category are the people you have never heard of who suddenly burst on the scene as experts in something and you soon realize that they are not merely concerned citizens. No, they are people with intense and focused aspirations for higher office. It doesn’t take long to realize that they are running for something. Every social media interaction becomes a place for them to whisk out their own personal soapbox and stand on it.

This behavior is not a crime. And some people are really attracted to it. I’ve seen it work over and over again. For me, personally? I would cross the road and walk on the other side of the street to get away from it. 

Engage me thoughtfully. Don’t shout at me. Present evidence without twisting it or leaving things out. Is this too much to ask?

Given the state of American politics, maybe it is.

Village Green/Town² Comments

*****

Today in Local HoCo: check out this shopping guide from Visit Howard County.

Show Your Work, HoCo

“Don’t let your mind wander. It’s far too small to be let out alone.”

This admonition, which I first spied on a bumper sticker, would be funny if it weren’t so true. People seem to feel the need to let their minds run any old place without benefit of a plan, a map, or adequate provisions.* Simply put: if you’re going to present an argument you need to be ready to prove it. Show your work.

A current example of brains that have been let out to wander is the trend to vilify the Howard County new flag initiative by stating:

• We don’t need a new flag.
• There’s nothing wrong with the old flag.
• It’s a misuse/waste of public funds
• It’s nothing but a vanity project/ego trip for the County Executive.

Okay: prove it. If you’re going to make those accusations then I want evidence. Where is it? I have yet to see one shred of evidence backing up these accusations but they sure must be fun to say because they are popping up all over the place on social media.

Have you done enough research into the history of how the present flag came about to be able to articulate what that means to us today? Can you prove that there’s nothing objectionable about the current flag? Have you delved into the topic enough to understand what other people’s objections might be? 

Oh, and the money. How much is being spent? How was it allocated? What percentage of the overall budget is it? How many flags will need to be made altogether? How does that compare with the regular reproduction of the current flags as they wear out?

And lastly, what is your evidence that the new flag initiative originated solely from the County Executive and that its intent is purely self aggrandizement? 

Go ahead. I’m waiting. 

You want to be an expert? Great - - where’s your expert knowledge? If you had any I feel you would have shared some by now.

Let’s be honest. This is what you are really saying:

• I don’t understand why we need a new flag.
• I don’t understand what’s wrong with the old flag.
• If I don’t like it it must be a misuse/waste of public funds.
• I don’t like the initiative and I don’t like Calvin Ball so it must be nothing but a vanity project/ego trip for the County Executive.

This would be honest. But it sure sounds less impressive, doesn’t it?

I’ve been trying to think of an similar example that might illuminate how limited this kind of reaction is. Let’s try this one.

Several years ago the County started creating cricket facilities for residents. Let me try applying my personal attitudes and preferences to this topic.

I think: I’m not at all sporty and no one in my family is, either.

I say: We don’t need more sports facilities.

I think: Isn’t cricket is a niche sport played only in England? Didn’t we go to a lot of trouble to separate ourselves from England?

I say:  Building cricket pitches is pandering to a small and unrepresentative fragment of the Howard County population.

I think: I don’t particularly care about sports, but I do think we need better performing arts facilities.

I say: These cricket facilities are a misuse/waste of public funds.

I think: I’m annoyed at the continued focus on sports when we could be supporting local arts programs. I want to blame someone for making a choice that I don’t like.

I say: It’s selfish, capricious, and I blame local politicians.

Please note: I don’t actually hold this point of view and it’s is based purely on personal opinion and verifiable inaccuracies but it’s likely that I might have drifted in that direction if I hadn’t researched this topic for the blog. For example, did you know:

The sport of cricket is the national summer game of England, where it has been played for hundreds of years, possibly since the 13th century. Laws to standardize the rules of play have existed since at least the mid-18th century. During England’s colonial history, cricket was exported around the world, and it is now played in more than 100 countries. It is particularly popular in the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, South Africa, and the West Indies. - - from the cricket entry on Kids Brittanica

Back to the new flag designs. They were created by members of the community, not professional artists or vexillographers. You can vote on the one you like best. (You were given an opportunity to submit your own. I’m guessing you didn’t.) So you’ve had multiple ways to participate in this process. Have you? Or do you prefer standing on the streetcorner and spitting on things?

Ahem. Sorry. I can see I’m beginning to lose my temper here. 

True confession: this one is my favorite because I think it best represents where we are now: agriculture, nature, green space, housing and community-building. For some reason the placement of the bird feels a little random to me. I like the choice of green and blue for the same reason I chose it for the title art for my blog: it echoes the Columbia/Howard County street signs. 

But you don’t have to take my word for it. Go to the virtual poll and make your own choice. 

If you have opinions to share on the blog you know where to send them but be forewarned: I will ask you to show your work. 

Village Green/Town² Comments

* See also: critical thinking.

Carrying On the Work

Today I tip my hat to PATH (People Acting Together in Howard) who are hosting a Statewide Action for a Just Democracy at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center this afternoon from 3 to 5 pm. 

PATH is a multi-racial, multi-faith, non-partisan residents’ organization, rooted in local congregations and organizations. Our dues-paying member institutions include over 20,000 Howard County residents, and represent the diversity, hope, and dreams of our community.

For the full details on the event, click on this link  which includes information on how to register and how to signup for childcare during the event if you will need it. Dinner will be provided.

After what has been for many of us a disheartening and brutal outcome of this year’s election season, the thought of coming out and organizing around important issues may hold less appeal than it might otherwise. There exists (at least for me) a deep desire to grieve, stay in bed, or possibly just hide under the bed in the face of what the future may hold.

Yet the good folks from PATH will be out in force this afternoon to advocate for the top issues they have chosen to organize around: Housing, PreK Education, and Climate Change. 

PATH is a member of the Maryland Just Power Alliance, comprised of:

PATH - - People Acting Together in Howard 

ACT - - Anne Arundel Connecting Together

AIM - - Action in Montgomery 

The concept of the Just Power Alliance is described in their website as follows:

Picture it – a diverse network of strategic and skilled people from around the country, united around a single goal: to win on issues that make a real difference in the lives of everyday people. 



Welcome to The Just Power Alliance. We’re dedicated organizers, leaders and congregations fighting for social justice and creating change through bold, relational, joyful, collective action.

“…issues that make a real difference in the lives of everyday people.”

Issues like housing, early childhood education, and climate change initiatives.

Who will be at today’s event? PATH members, community members, and invited area leaders, notably:

• Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman
• Representative for Maryland Secretary of Housing Jake Day
• Howard County Executive Calvin Ball
• Senator Katie Fry Hester (D9)
• Delegate Natalie Ziegler (D9A)
• Delegate Courtney Watson (D9B)
• Delegate Jessica Feldmark (D12)
• Delegate Terri Hill (D12A)
• Delegate Pamela Guzzone (D13)
• Delegate Pamela Queen (D14)
• Delegate Linda Foley (D15)
• Delegate Vaughn Stewart (D19)
• Delegate Lorig Charkoudian (D20)
• Delegate Mary Lehman (D21)
• Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D21)
• Delegate Shaneka Henson (D30A)
• Delegate Greg Wims (D39) 

Since 2006, PATH has been making a positive impact in Howard County through building relationships and identifying and cultivating leaders within the community all while collaborating through community action. 

We win our biggest victories by listening to what is needed, finding like-minded people to work with us for change, and engaging leaders who can help us to achieve our goals.

Remember, the Maryland General Assembly 2025 session begins January 8th. Some of the most significant decisions affecting our community will be debated and decided there. PATH has worked with its members/member organizations to identify a focused set of priorities and they will be working together to communicate their vision and motivate change at the state level.

If you’re looking for an environment where you can do the most good, this might be the place. Come see what it’s all about this afternoon.

Kitchen Crusades

 

Brace yourselves. I am once again going to focus on a part of the story that is not the main point. Bear with me. 

Howard County Schools let us taste new lunch options. Here’s what we thought. Christina Tkacik, Baltimore Banner

You may be aware that HCPSS is in the process of upgrading their food offerings. The school system is partnering with the Horizon Foundation and the Healthier Choices Coalition (a local advocacy group) to bring fresher, healthier, and more diverse menu items to the school lunch program. They held a community taste test event Thursday night at Guilford Park High School. There will be another such event in Columbia in the Spring. 

Ms. Tkacik is a food reporter for the Baltimore Banner and before that she held a similar post at the Baltimore Sun. It must be quite a mental shift to taste lunchroom food when you are more used to the intricacies of fine dining. She is a good sport.

One of the things that struck me was that any changes the school system makes must conform to the fact that our kitchens are not actually set up to cook fresh food from start to finish. We can add and upgrade options for fresh raw foods such as fruits, salads, and raw vegetables. But you can just put any rosy imaginings of farm to table entrees right out of your head because even if we could procure the ingredients, we couldn’t prepare them on site.

What we have are essentially warming facilities for frozen, prepackaged products. I’m sure there’s a variety to chose from within the school lunch nutritional guidelines. But it’s still reheated commercial food. There’s a long story in the history of school lunch in the U.S. that explains how we got to where we are today. For one thing, once the Federal government stopped paying for kitchen equipment, school districts shifted to preparing food centrally and delivering it to schools to be warmed up. 

And then many simply shifted to using prepared foods. Real, fully-equipped cooking kitchens in schools are largely obsolete.

Can we hope to significantly change children’s school lunch experience if we cannot actually cook and serve fresh food for them? Is this a change which cannot be undone? Does it matter?

As an aside, I’m glad there was a mention of the whole grain pizza in the article. It may be healthier, but my pizza-loving kid was unable to get it down once they made the change and it took away one of the few things worth looking forward to. 

What’s your take on school lunch?

Village Green/Town² Comments 

*****

Today in Local HoCo: two local craft fairs today for your holiday shopping pleasure.

Historic Oakland Holiday Craft Market, 10 am - 3 pm

Long Reach Craft and Vendor Fair, LRHS, 10 am - 3 pm

F ³: The Mysterious Disappearance

I need your help. I’m on the trail of a mystery and the clues are few and far between. Here goes: What has happened to all the creative, high-quality children’s television programming?

With the exception of Bluey and PBS offerings, everything feels junky and ordinary to me these days. Yet when our youngest was little we had our pick of Blues Clues, Out of the Box, Bear in the Big Blue House, Wonder Pets, the Backyardigans, Jack’s Big Music Show plus excellent PBS shows like Between the Lions, Fetch!, and Postcards from Buster. 

What happened?

Now, when I was little children’s programming was still a new thing and most of it was junk. Captain Kangaroo was probably the high point of those years. If we could get UHF to come through clearly we could watch Educational Television (and eventually Sesame Street made its debut) but most of the animated shows for kids were unmitigated crud. Some that I remembered fondly do not hold up well. 

Mostly, though, you had Saturday morning cartoons and that was it. Public television eventually transformed what was available for kids and contributed to both of my children’s childhood years.

Enter cable TV, which I never had until I remarried and moved to Columbia. Suddenly there were premium channels just for kids: Playhouse Disney, Noggin, and HBO Kids. That’s where all the magical stuff was, but you had to pay extra for it. I’m probably talking the early 2000’s here. “Saturday morning cartoons” eventually dried up as special cable channels made kids programming more widely available. That is, if you could afford cable. Or the special premium “pay extra” channels.

Thank goodness PBS has stayed committed to children’s programming despite all the commercial competition. I just caught a wonderful new show yesterday called Carl the Collector. It’s the first PBS children’s program centered on an autistic character. I liked it. 

When I taught preschoolers I considered it my responsibility to keep up with the shows they were watching - - especially to find songs I could use in my teaching. These days I don’t know where I’d look for anything that would inspire me. There are about ten cable channels aimed at kids and the offerings are mostly dreck, with the exception of Bluey.

Where has all that brilliant programming gone? Why does it feel like these production companies are just phoning it in? Or am I just old and having one of those “get off my lawn” moments? 

I have another suspicion. As more and more cable channels branch out into selling premium streaming services, is that where high quality imaginative children’s programming is going? Is it there but just behind a new layer of subscription fees? Or have the powers that be just decided that the good stuff is too expensive to make and convinced themselves that churning out one lazy concept after another is good enough?

Or (horrors!) are kids spending so much time on electronic devices that high quality children’s television has ceased to be relevant or profitable? 

Help me out. If you have young children - - or know someone who does - - perhaps you can help me solve this mystery. 

Village Green/Town² Comments

*****

Today in Local HoCo: what are the best local places for children’s gifts? Books, toys, clothes, experiences? 

Sometimes There is Good News

 

On Saturday Columbia Community Care put out an urgent call for food and personal care items due to serious depletion of supplies at their Long Reach pantry. I wrote about it on Sunday. 

Image from Columbia Community Care Social Media

Yesterday’s pictures were astounding. This represents some of what has arrived since Saturday:

Image from Columbia Community Care Social Media

Are you connected to Columbia Community Care on Facebook? They are good folks. They remind us that we can be good folks. Right now is a remarkably good time to be reminded what community care looks like: it is powerful. 

We can be powerful in support of one another.

In that same vein, you may recall that I mentioned some examples of human kindness about a week ago.

Despite the enormity of Tuesday’s election bearing down on us, I’ve seen some lovely things unfold on social media in the last twenty four hours. Not political, but examples of genuine human kindness. They aren’t my stories to tell but I would if I had permission. We’ll see if I can swing that.

In the case of one if those stories, the Baltimore Banner got to it first and I’m happy to be able to share it with you. 

The Dish: When a Howard County mom asked for help, local restaurants offered a hand, Christina Tkacik Prudente, Baltimore Banner 

This story unfolded on the Howard County Eats Facebook page and I was lucky to watch it happen in real time. Here’s the gist of it:

So Erin went to the Howard County Eats Facebook page with her plea: “My daughter who is battling cancer really wants to experience cooking with a real chef,” she wrote in a post.

The offers from local eateries came in fast, restaurant after restaurant. Phoebe could learn to make Hawaiian food at a local poke spot, or cook at a cafe in Ellicott City, or a pizza place, or a high-end eatery in Columbia. Someone with the fire department offered to let the young girl come to the firehouse and help out the shift chef.

In a sense, it was a different kind of community care. And, yet again, the community came through. I held back on writing about it because 1) It was one family’s personal story and 2) it concerned a child. What a joy it was to see the food writer for the Banner undertake this and give it the kind of treatment that only a professional journalist can give. 

In a week where I have been feeling singularly helpless, the power of these two moments is not lost on me. 

No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. - - Aesop

Village Green/Town² Comments

*****

Today in Local HoCo: Many people recommended “anything on Main Street” in Old Ellicott City for your holiday shopping. Are there any places that you would particularly recommend?