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Memory Thief?


 

A friend posted:

Facebook stole my memories. 

I didn’t need to ask what he meant. I already knew. I check my Memories section every morning as a part of my waking-up process. Reading them reminds me where I was and what I was doing in years past. Sometimes they point up a local issue that still bears research or discussion. And sometimes they reveal that I used to feel one way about something and now my view has completely changed. 

For me that would be things like cellphones in the classroom and school policing. But, I digress.

I’ll admit that sometimes it’s hard to read my memories when they bring back sad times and disappointment. But even the worst of them haven’t been as bad as reading the daily news since last November.

For several days my Memories section consisted solely of a few photos imported from Instagram, a service for which I had never asked.

Yesterday evening the real memories were back. No idea why, but: I’m grateful. So I’m going to celebrate by congratulating The Common Kitchen on their seventh anniversary. As is so often not the case - - I was there. A blog post tells me I had visited even before the Grand Opening. 



The Common Kitchen - - and Clarksville Commons overall - - has brought so much to our community in the years since they’ve opened. They’ve given us opportunities to try a variety of international food, hosted live music and special events…they even hosted a podcast for a while there. 

It even appears that they love soup as much as I do. Maybe.

So, cheers to the Common Kitchen on seven years! Maybe you can stop by soon and offer best wishes in person. 

*****

Facebook memories pointed me to a very early blog post on this day about a particular meeting of the OMCA Board. 

A group of residents came to speak about a matter that is extremely important to them. They spoke eloquently, and with great respect.  They were accompanied by an elected official who had clearly done his homework and was ready to work with the Board.  Meanwhile, the board was ready to discuss the issue because we had been kept abreast of the particulars by the Village Manager.  We had a wonderful discussion, even a few laughs. Progress was made and, I believe, everyone went away feeling valued and respected.

For those of you feeling as disillusioned as I have been, take this:  sometimes, it works.

A memory double whammy: that elected official who came with those residents as an advocate is celebrating some memories of his own this week. 


Democrat Ball defeats incumbent executive 



Democrat Calvin ball wins 2nd term as Howard County Executive…


I don’t know whether Dr. Ball is marking this week in any official way but I sure hope he finds time to enjoy the memories. Maybe his family can take him out to the Common Kitchen? 

Interesting side note: in 2018 local newspaper Columbia Flier failed to chose Ball’s historic win as Howard County’s first Black County Executive as their front-page story. Today, in 2025, there is no more Columbia Flier.

In hyperlocal news: one year ago I asked my husband to help me rehang the birdfeeder for the season. I have a new (hopefully critter-proof) feeder arriving this week. 

Hope springs eternal.


Village Green/Town² Comments 




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  1. Julia A. McCreadyNovember 10, 2025 at 5:12 AM

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