Village Green/Town²

A memory from childhood. Visiting the cemetery to put flowers on my grandfather's grave. It was a sunny day. We walked past the Garfield memorial and there were some special flower arrangements and displays. My mother looked, turned her head away. Almost seemed to shudder. "What are all those things about?" I asked her. I could tell she really didn't want to tell me. And then, hesitating, she told me a very carefully worded story about Germany. And Hitler. And what happened to the Jewish people during the war. I felt a chill of dread come over me. More than anything, the sight of my mother being afraid to tell me about something was the most terrifying of all. How horrible it must be if my mother shrank from naming it: Holocaust. For years I had nightmares about that day. We walked past the displays, and the small groups of people who had come to show their respect. There was a placard that read, "Never again." My mother said, "We can'...

The headline reads "Five reasons to do business in Howard County". The story recounts an event held at One Merriweather by Bisnow. ( story ) I found myself drawn to the photographs. There are plenty of them. In scanning them, I noted, that, with the exception of Ike Leggett, this event appeared to have a serious lack of racial/ethnic diversity. The speakers, aside from the MoCo Exec, look to be an assortment of white men. Period. Hmm. Does this mean anything? Should I care? I guess I already do care, or else I wouldn't  be mentioning it. I look at these pictures and think, "the future of Howard County is more pale male heads. Oh, yay."  Why does it matter? Perspective. This comment made me think. "The goal [of transportation] is not to move people," he said. "The goal is economic development." (Christopher Leinberger) Well, maybe. But to those folks in Howard County who'd just like to be able to get  to work and to shop, economic ...

From the crazy ideas file at Village Green/Town², these Dome Houses made of polystyrene: https://www.facebook.com/yooDesignStudio/videos/10154163980606044/ I say, make Gateway the final Columbia Village and make all the houses like this. With tons of walkability to shops and an appealing "around the Gateway" transit system. Let's do something really off-beat and quirky and fun. Downtown development is moving along all right, but nothing about it is anywhere near weird enough for me. Well, actually, the plans for Merriweather Park in Symphony Woods were pretty darn visionary. Remember ? Funny thing, the people who strongly objected to these forward-thinking designs were folks who participated in Columbia visionary James Rouse's New American City. These were Pioneers in a new way of living. Does one get to a point in life when one clings to the old vision and rejects any kind of new vision? Is it inevitable? Columbia is getting ready to celebrate its 50th birt...

Tonight is the Howard County Libraries annual fundraiser, "Evening in the Stacks." For many years I have lamented that I couldn't afford to go. I would look at the photos of the event posted online and have that sense of regret that I wasn't one of the Cool Kids who go to this event and other big-ticket charitable events around town. I did go one year thanks to a free ticket extended to me by a friend. It was wonderful, but for a shy person who came alone it had its limitations. Now that I am working full time, I am coming to grips with having more disposable income. I am trying to choose wisely when it comes to charitable donations, especially since so many things I believe in are under attack these days. When I woke up this morning I had to face the fact that, now that I have the money to go to Evening in the Stacks, I'm simply too exhausted to want to go. And I'd have to fight my inner introvert to even make it in the door. Two thoughts on this: 1. ...

The Howard County Board of Education took the time to address the issue of protections for transgender students at their board meeting last night. Here is their statement: In the Howard County Public School System, each school works with children and families, as it always has, to preserve the privacy and rights of all students, including transgender students. HCPSS reaffirms that commitment and will not change its practices. You can read more here at the HCPSS website.  At the same meeting,  Board of Education approved a budget which restores  support staff in media, kindergarten, ESOL, and early childhood to 2014 levels. They have also created  a position for a diversity/inclusion coordinator. Let's hope it sticks this time!  It is heartening to see the Board at work making such excellent choices in behalf of students, parents, teachers, and staff. If you'd like to thank them for their work, you can use this handy-dandy form provided by HCEA...

I have allergies and asthma. I was born this way. It can be annoying, uncomfortable, and limiting. I've been through years of allergies shots, taken a boatload of medication, visited the emergency room after a run-in with book mold and cats. I can't have pets, even though I love animals. But this is who I am. I was born this way, and I have learned to deal with it. And you know what? Nobody is offended. No one scorns me, doubts the veracity of my claims, or tries to interfere with my civil rights. What a privilege that is. It's just accepted that "that's the way I am." Not so for LGBTQ folks. So often they don't get that benefit of the doubt. "This is who I am." "This is how I was made." No, they don't get a free pass because just the fact of their existence offends somebody. Before I go any further, I want to be clear that I know my analogy is flawed. Allergies and asthma are an illness, ones I wish could be completely re...

News flash! Mr. Trash Wheel is adding "Advice Columnist" to his list of many accomplishments. This offer brought to mind the predicament of a friend of mine, Ms. Frizz , aka @eye_on _kq . I had lunch with her Monday It's clear she's still carrying a torch for her old beau, the Lake Kittamaqundi Bell Tower. She's heard he might be be coming back into town, but she can't get any solid details. Maybe Trashy can help.  Dear Trashy, My friend Ms. Frizz has been pining away for the love of her life, this handsome fellow. He disappeared around 2010 and she's been heartsick ever since. She hears from the Columbia Association that he might be returning home soon. Can you do anything to help reunite these two lovebirds? Sincerely, Your friend at Village Green/Town² ***** I'll let you know if I hear anything. If you have any relevant info, or ideas for Letters to Trashy,  post here: https://www.facebook.com/VillageGr...

Good morning, friends. It's your Monday morning wake up call. Except it's Tuesday. But for many of us, it feels like Monday. Here's a post from HoCo blogger Mike Hartley. https://threwmikeseyez.com/2017/02/20/appreciation-for-the-new-day/ He writes THREW Mike's Eyez, described as the original writings, images, videos and artworks of Mike Hartley. It's just the message I needed to read this morning. I had that same sense of gratitude yesterday as I walked about of a doctor's appointment where, for the first time in my life, I had gotten a high-five from the doctor. We all need a little encouragement on the journey to self-care. I felt very fortunate to have that support. So that's the message for the day. Find the things you can feel grateful for. Savor them.

Dribs and drabs this morning: There's a new Caribbean restaurant in Harper's Choice. It's in the space where Zapata's used to be. It's called Jazz's Island Soul Cuisine and I stole this impromptu review right off of a friend's Facebook post: We visited the new restaurant @ Harper's Choice Village Center today. We had brunch (all day every day right now) and the food was delicious! I got chicken and waffles (the rum syrup was so sticky and sweet in the best way), and [my lovely companion] got the meat lovers omelette that came with home fries, grits, fried apples and biscuits (made in a waffle iron).  Yay for local restaurants with good food! I got a nice little mailing from my State Senator Guy Guzzone this week, informing me that he's also a realtor and offering his services should we need them. Probably everyone else knew that he is a realtor, but I didn't, so I guess that's useful. We already have a realtor we trust--Michael McKenn...

The deadline is March 3rd at 4:00 pm. At least, that's when it is in Oakland Mills. There are probably other deadlines in other villages. You can learn more here . What deadline? Why, the deadline to turn in your paperwork to run for your Columbia Village Board or as your village's CA Representative, of course. At this time of year, some people scope out this year's Spring fashions, some peruse seed catalogues, and some contemplate stepping up to serve the community. Will you be one of them? Serving on a village board or as a CA Rep will not make you famous. It is not a reliable springboard to higher office, either. But you will learn more about your village, about how Columbia works, and, most especially, what we all need to do to keep Columbia going. The New American City wasn't meant to run like an automated machine. It needs people to be interested, involved, and active. If we aren't, the things that make Columbia unique will become irrelevant. Somethin...

Here's a bit of a conversation amongst music educators that I read this week: I don't know if it is a trend all over or just our little nook of the world right now but every year in recent history, I find it harder and harder to teach first grade.  I honestly feel like I'm teaching preschoolers with some of the behaviors I see and how far I have to simplify lessons.  It's taking them much longer to achieve  beat competency than I remember in years past (been teaching 16 years).  They seem to not have control of their bodies/personal space.  I try my darndest to use this to my advantage and engage them with movement and very "active" things... but when playing games, doing dances, playing instruments, it takes every last ounce of my classroom management efforts (and I have been told that my classroom management is excellent) to just keep them focused long enough to get through something fun!  They just lose sight of the objective so quickly.  I do rem...

I had a little moment this week on social media where I found myself and and my family under attack from the rantings of an anonymous Facebook page. Ive learned not to care too much about what is said about me, but going after my children is off limits. If you have children, I'm sure you would feel the same. The best thing (if there is one) about this whole unpleasant experience is how many good people came to my defense. I have many friends who refused to be bystanders in the face of online bullying. It truly warmed my heart to witness the efforts of upstanders coming not just to my defense but also supporting others who were being unfairly targeted. A particular surprise to me were kind words from two well-known local folks with whom I have had many political disagreements. I think it's safe to say that we probably agree on about five percent of what the world has to offer. But both were quick to check in with words of support. Both made it clear that what I was experienc...

From the nice folks over at Howard Magazine... This got me thinking. Who is a famous Howard County resident? What constitutes being famous in #hocomd ? Are there famous people in Howard County? And if there are, why would we want to see their homes? Under the usual assumptions, fame means the added benefits of accumulated wealth. (Imagine wanting to take a peek at the lifestyles of the rich and famous.) But how much of that, if any, is at work in Howard County? I honestly don't know. There are certainly some people I'd love to have dinner with. I don't know if there homes would be particularly noteworthy. What do you think? Who's famous, and would you like to see where they live? Howard Magazine wants to know. P.S. I'm not famous, and my house is a mess. Just saying.

On February 14th, 2013, the CA Board voted to approve the concept plan for what was then known as the Inner Arbor plan for Symphony Woods. Here's the article from the HoCo Times. I was eating at an outdoor restaurant along the Riverwalk in San Antonio and following the live tweeting from the meeting. I was, quite possibly, the worst dinner guest ever. At the time I saw the vote as a vital and positive turning point in the direction that our community was going to take. I'm still convinced it was vital and positive. But nothing is ever a complete and total turning point, is it? There will be push back, and criticism, and attempts to change direction. There will be struggle. The intent to move forward came with it those whose intent was to slow that movement to a halt. This Spring, on Earth Day, the first phase of the Merriweather Park in Symphony Woods will open: the Chrysalis . I'll be there. I'm hoping this will be more than a celebration of accomplishment. I'...

You know what makes me happy? Books. I love books. I love looking at beautiful picture books, browsing through craft books, drooling over cookbooks. I love biographies, historical fiction, classic children's novels...Books can be a delight for the senses. You don't just see them. You touch the pages, hear the sound of the paper as you leaf your way through. You smell that amazingly intoxicating book smell. I love how reading opens your mind to new things. I love discovering new connections and forging new pathways in my brain. I love discovering new interests, cultivating hobbies. I love books, and I love libraries. I especially love the Howard County Library System because they're always finding new ways of connecting with the community. They're incredibly reponsive to the needs of the citizens they serve. But... Some people don't love books. And they don't like opening their minds to new things. And they don't like libraries. And when people like...

On a Saturday night in February, the high school cafeteria was festooned with crepe paper streamers and Valentine decorations. Music was playing, a colored light ball was rotating. Some teens were blowing bubbles. The entrance was a curtain of rainbow streamers.                                                  There were your usual party snacks: chips, pretzels, pizza, soda, juice. A unique touch: a station making Unicorn Hot Chocolate, which is just like regular hot chocolate with the addition of whipped cream, Lucky Charms, and rainbow sprinkles. Students took charge of greeting guests, giving out name tags and glow-stick bracelets and necklaces. In fact, students were in charge of every aspect of this meet-and-greet event: planning, publicity, buying supplies, running activities, set up and clean up. Students stood out for hours in freezing cold January w...

Dear Jim Rouse, it was a good dream and vision while it lasted... A friend posted this yesterday on Facebook. I have a feeling that it's in reference to what we have been experiencing in our community around the issue of the CB-9 legislation. I don't blame her for feeling that we are experiencing a death of that original ideaism which was woven into Columbia's very creation. But it's important to remember that Howard County existed before Columbia. The New American City was plopped down into an area that wasn't all that happy about the change. Much of why I started this blog comes from that tension. There has long existed tension between Columbia and all of its almost-utopian-planned-community vibe, and the Howard County that is separate from that, Believe me, there is tension. And it existed way before the Sanctuary legislation was proposed. From the blog HoCo Connect , written by Duane St. Clair: Columbia vs. the rest of Howard County returns     ...

Lovely photo opp this week over in Gateway for the County Executive. It appears he has great things in mind for this area and is kicking off an initiative to enhance Columbia's corporate park. The vision, which will be crafted with input from property and business owners and in partnership with the Howard County Economic Development Authority, the county's business incubator and economic development agency, aims to transform Gateway into the top business center in Maryland, Kittleman said. Now, not everthing makes me think of my dear departed mother, but this certainly did. Remember when you asked for more spaghetti at dinner and your mother said you needed to finish everything else on your plate first? Or you asked for a new toy and your mother pointed out that you had never really played with the last one you asked for? Or perhaps you wanted to have a friend over but Mother had a vivid memory of how you weren't  finished cleaning up from the last play date? I think...

Please, please, please forgive this recycled post. Time is short this morning. This appeared two years ago and I recently met someone at a local event who knew me from this post alone, which made me smile. This post based on a true story. Clarksville Happenings (February 5, 2015) On 32 North, past 108,  at one pm a twist of fate Brought a mom and her daughter (learning to drive) And a truck with a box with a sheep inside. How did it happen? No one knew if the truck hit a bump but out it flew Flew through the air and fell to the side From the truck flew the box with the sheep inside. Did you see what happened? Does any one know? Was the sheep okay by the side of the road? (It doesn't seem safe to try your luck With a sheep in a box in the back of a truck.) Past 108, on Route 32 Marks the landing spot of the sheep who flew Eye witness reports say the sheep survived-- It's truly amazing that sheep's alive. ...

Once upon a time, when Columbia was young, her Village Centers hosted an interesting array of shops and eateries. No, I wasn't here, but I have witnessed many reminiscences of the good old days. There was a really cool pub, a cheese shop, a hardware store, an arcade, to name but a few. And these businesses were a part of what gave those early Columbia years such a sense of local flavor. Off-beat. Quirky. Fun. "What's wrong with Columbia today? I'll tell you," share those who remember what it was like. What's wrong, they say, is that we don't have Mom and Pop businesses anymore. Everything's a big chain. Rents and commercial real estate are controlled by big businesses from out of town and The Little Guy has been squeezed out. Wouldn't it be great to see a true Mom and Pop business take hold in Columbia? The kind of family business that really puts roots down in a community? Can something like that happen in 2017? It can. And I hope it d...

You've probably seen the rows of stuffed animals, gorgeously decorated boxes of chocolates, ads for jewelry and flowers. It would be hard to avoid the pinkified explosion of hearts and glitter that accompanies the lead-up to Valentine's Day. I have a suggestion for you. Nothing says love like that sweet old couple that have been together forever. That's right, I mean chicken and waffles. Nothing goes straight to your true love's heart faster than this celebrity pairing, and you won't mind a little for yourself, either. Start your weekend right with this event From Momma's Kitchen: I ❤️ Chicken and Waffles!  This SATURDAY, February 11th 4992 Montgomery Road Ellicott City, MD  10am-2pm $10/adult.  $5/child Shrimp and grits, too! Plus---delicious From Momma's Kitchen desserts all dressed up for ❤️Valentines Day! Now I myself have never had what is rumored to be an ambrosial combination, but my daughter ordered it once in a restaurant and was very...

I signed up for the Senior Seminar in Philosophy back in 1976 because word on the street was you got to have coffee and hot chocolate in class and there was a Spring Trip to Williamsburg to cap off the year. I was less prepared for all the philosophers we had to wade through. A lot of it was really dry. For some reason my classmates and I found it hilarious that Michel de Montaigne was famous for saying, "Que sais-je?" Those great philosophers--weren't they supposed to know everything? And yet here was one whose catchphrase was, quite literally, "What do I know?" What do I know? I'm thinking a lot about that tonight in the aftermath of the Howard County Council vote on CB-9. While I'm happy that the measure passed, I'm deeply disappointed that it was a 3-2 vote. What do I know? I know that there is much more hate and anger in Howard County than I ever imagined possible. It's clear that it was there long before CB-9 was proposed. And the...

I often joke around about how my village of Oakland Mills has produced so many folks who want to write, organize, argue, innovate, etc. And I have certainly lamented the dearth of bloggers who write with a village-centric focus. Here's a piece on HoCoMdCC about the future of Hickory Ridge. After a steady diet of Oakland Mills on my blog, it should serve as a palate-cleanser of sorts. What do you think? https://hocomd.cc/2017/02/06/which-version-of-the-hickory-ridge-village-center-is-likely-to-survive/ Harry Schwarz writes HoCoMdCC . Take a look around his blog while you're there. If you live in one of Columbia's villages, what's the news you think we need to know? Add your comments over on Facebook:  https://m.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/

In the past few months two different friends have reached out to me for advice about blogging. I find this rather amazing. But, I'm happy to talk about blogging with just about anyone. Most of the time I am. When things are going well. Yes, when I get up at a decent hour and the ideas are flowing, I can find the appropriate links and the photos drop easily into the text like the last piece in a jigsaw, blogging is a marvelous daily discipline. I'm in the zone. It's one of the best things in my life. When I oversleep, or ideas are in short supply, or self confidence is at a low ebb, blogging feels more like an exercise in self loathing. The vast whiteness of the blank page with a cursor blinking is the stuff of nightmares. Here are some questions you should ask yourself if you are considering writing a blog. What drives you to write? Who do you want to communicate with? What is special about your voice that will bring readers back again and again? How much do ...

Struggling to write today. So much to say. Unable to say it. A fire in a trash can closed Marriotts Ridge High School yesterday. Right now it feels as though my whole world is a fire in a trash can. A typical Village Green/Town² post would include your choice of: Columbia past, present, and possibly future Howard County, especially how our government works or doesn't  School system and/or education issues Music and arts education  How cool is Oakland Mills, anyway? Interesting local businesses Something I learned at the grocery store Being a parent isn't for sissies Have I told you how much I love my husband? So, today--take your pick. Choose your own adventure. Or select a few and mix them together. Or go to these two places and drink coffe to support the ACLU:  Bump n’ Grind, Silver Springs, MD Gravel and Grind, Frederick, MD Closer to home:  https://www.facebook.com/events/398140217188885/?ti=icl Children's Bake Sale and Craft Sale to...

A guest post today by Dr. Zaneb Beams. Dr. Beams is a pediatrician and a former candidate for the Howard County Board of Education. Her words tell a very personal story of what it means to be an immigrant in this country. ***** First, a definition:  un·do·cu·ment·ed ˌənˈdäkyəˌmen(t)əd/ adjective adjective: undocumented 1. not recorded in or proved by documents. 2. NORTH AMERICAN not having the appropriate legal document or license. "undocumented immigrants" I write today to tell you why I support Howard County Council bill 9, also referred to as CB9. This is a bill that establishes Howard County as a sanctuary county, simply stating that law enforcement officials will not ask for citizenship or immigration information unless it is legally appropriate. It commits to preventing discrimination by Howard County employees based on citizenship or immigration status. This allows members of the community who need help to access police protection without f...

Good morning, Howard County. This is where we were a year ago. Mount Hebron High School. #HoCoStudentWalkout #StoptheSilenceStartAConversation This is the speech given by Lina, one of the organizers of the event. Still relevant. Still important. *******  Hello, my name is Lina and I’m a Junior here at this school. I would like to speak to you all about the lingering problems at Mount Hebron. As you all know, recently a student at Mount Hebron was live on camera saying obscenities towards the African American race. This video was reposted by many people on several different social media sites and highlights a problem that has crept in the shadows of Mount Hebron for many years. We have not come to chastise this individual for the mistakes that he has made but rather our desire is to bring attention to the racial issues going on, not only in Mount Hebron, but our community as a whole. We believe punishing this student with suspension, or similar consequences, will not solve...