tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44315441854216337852024-03-19T01:46:52.100-07:00Village Green/Town²Where Columbia and Howard County IntersectJulia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.comBlogger3893125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-74172457370673011172024-03-18T04:59:00.000-07:002024-03-18T04:59:36.906-07:00Survey Says…<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFg0iEITbv7CyfnoYt2LZ6-hkVEhh4n3qPbcnzvTv2OCFCGIu4Vr_2B2t3gG2T7r8kfqvKrfPoC0SG-TQ2e7qmArsjwFYWDZQYs4O0OfAzqYO03bTD0vAE3765VXyIIKxK2uGc2Lp_hsKh5YPxrsffsRi2bLr-0qSzKFpT6njoyNIZzjd6AEtdcTkzCe8/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFg0iEITbv7CyfnoYt2LZ6-hkVEhh4n3qPbcnzvTv2OCFCGIu4Vr_2B2t3gG2T7r8kfqvKrfPoC0SG-TQ2e7qmArsjwFYWDZQYs4O0OfAzqYO03bTD0vAE3765VXyIIKxK2uGc2Lp_hsKh5YPxrsffsRi2bLr-0qSzKFpT6njoyNIZzjd6AEtdcTkzCe8/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>The Howard County Board of Education is running a survey to learn what the public wants in a new <a href="https://survey.k12insight.com/survey1.aspx?k=RQsQRSRUTsXsPsPsP&lang=0" target="_blank">Superintendent of Schools. </a></p><p>Howard County Government is running a survey about the new <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1UK83gDf6Fkm8Hy1KwikIndOolBHyFlO02WGcCL5ins0QNQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0" target="_blank">Downtown Library.</a></p><p>The theatre group in residence at DoodleHATCH, Stand Up for Theatre, would like to know what shows you’re interested in seeing. Here’s<a href="https://www.doodlehatch.com/so/91OvDH6Rc?languageTag=en&cid=6c79d523-fc8b-4dc8-8c64-39305b94e720" target="_blank"> their survey</a>. </p><p>Howard County Government has formed the West Friendship Park Agricultural Programming Focus Group to <a href="https://www.howardcountymd.gov/News031424?fbclid=IwAR2WMEJJg-qNhK5hyuX-E0tcqWfB2TRf1CrQCI9uykDL4KmsO4G6I9MMZac_aem_AQrtR3fMR0BoiEl1GEk17LPaNtlfUcMNNPXKWFF65U7MMA28E8PTeckaNQPFBhMbsM4" target="_blank">generate ideas f</a>or, well, just what the title says. Can a survey be far behind? Won’t they want to know what the public thinks about the ideas they come up with?</p><p>It feels as though we are awash in surveys at the moment. (Almost as much as we used to be awash in Task Forces back in the day.) I have mixed feelings. I think it’s great to solicit input. I do believe that the information gathered will be looked at and considered. That doesn’t mean the decisions made will reflect my point of view one hundred per cent.</p><p>Some folks think that, if things don’t go their particular way, that it’s an indication that the survey wasn’t put forward and/or analyzed in good faith. This is especially so when politics are involved. That feels somewhat self-defeating to me.</p><p>My problem with surveys is length. If they are too long I experience a sort of panic and my brain shuts down. I now know that this is due to ADHD. Too many choices. Too many questions. That leads to too much overthinking on my part. Under those circumstances I throw my hands in the air. And then I quit.</p><p>That happened to me with the library survey. I will need to go back and try again. I really care about the library project and I’d be disappointed in myself if I bailed on that one.</p><p>How do you feel about HoCoLocal surveys? Do you take them? Do you have an internal limit on how long is too long?</p><p>That’s only three questions and I’m not going to call it a survey.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-53131900560840407902024-03-17T05:18:00.000-07:002024-03-17T05:18:24.050-07:00The Micromini<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zuEslpXMpRqg6rng7b1WKe5-qlOgoXYrYiKcGiaSc7Rim9OKpwB2sv6IQv5dc7Z_b9syoi8ImYmTVdxpysS-hC6W4sIn8dDv8-PKQQ-CXano8NLD_hk4PzLnUACyRXwyaF6USLC4ojEhae_iUt-t6xUbD1UOJZqpT59yA0D5JzYv21G1TCZFh9jC45c/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zuEslpXMpRqg6rng7b1WKe5-qlOgoXYrYiKcGiaSc7Rim9OKpwB2sv6IQv5dc7Z_b9syoi8ImYmTVdxpysS-hC6W4sIn8dDv8-PKQQ-CXano8NLD_hk4PzLnUACyRXwyaF6USLC4ojEhae_iUt-t6xUbD1UOJZqpT59yA0D5JzYv21G1TCZFh9jC45c/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Three micromini local stories for your Sunday:</p><p><br /></p><p>Is it legal to own goats in Columbia, Maryland? I do not know. I know there are rules about chickens, but - - goats? It seems to me that goats are more likely to turn up in a Columbia street name than in Columbia neighborhoods. How about “Serene Goat Way” or “Green Goat Garth”?</p><p>Be that as it may, this advert from Clark’s Ace Hardware in Columbia made me smile.</p><p><b>Spring into the season with a fresh and clean pup...or goat! We love supporting our amazing customers- including all your furry friends! Why not treat them to our deluxe self-serve dog wash, iClean? Celebrity narrations walk you through the brief, yet thorough, wash cycle making a somewhat uninspired chore an event to remember (for both you and your canine...or any furry companion)!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KUFZcK4yvNMz_R7PsiBXXHX4e099SAEbDs20oqNBLEx32Zyj7FZTOzAXqEazvc_4xo_-by0UDpYOKBCXnOH9Mh7D7RzSq7ELlg5kzlSxgK_wSKtMTIcWvtczI3jtS_wf8Dtg_ABeqHXt5yMb3Lngmcfdq398jL_KCTwSl8eY_p141MKCfMuQOlaK_zg/s3264/IMG_1737.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="3264" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KUFZcK4yvNMz_R7PsiBXXHX4e099SAEbDs20oqNBLEx32Zyj7FZTOzAXqEazvc_4xo_-by0UDpYOKBCXnOH9Mh7D7RzSq7ELlg5kzlSxgK_wSKtMTIcWvtczI3jtS_wf8Dtg_ABeqHXt5yMb3Lngmcfdq398jL_KCTwSl8eY_p141MKCfMuQOlaK_zg/w400-h400/IMG_1737.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWzFU8tWTDc77smIhf7jOCjNW_goRTN3-wGDm3I4MDVb5Q7cJaK86Pm8tctXiRKmUS-6IlGYSnHXwSuFpqTyhlS8XXBwTqAFmmyGned6OxesV9wUsXjPVv7FMYwM4I20XZpya3qr-rRFrDeW0fxfjanuhZOYg-zRhQBPNfFC-5H8QilzmpZ6Hs843v7U/s2048/IMG_1736.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQWzFU8tWTDc77smIhf7jOCjNW_goRTN3-wGDm3I4MDVb5Q7cJaK86Pm8tctXiRKmUS-6IlGYSnHXwSuFpqTyhlS8XXBwTqAFmmyGned6OxesV9wUsXjPVv7FMYwM4I20XZpya3qr-rRFrDeW0fxfjanuhZOYg-zRhQBPNfFC-5H8QilzmpZ6Hs843v7U/w400-h400/IMG_1736.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>I don’t know if they are truly serious about washing your goat or just seizing an opportunity to recommend their convenient dog washing station. Certainly you wouldn’t have to live in Columbia proper to avail yourself of this service. But the thought of pockets of backyard goat owners in the New American City made me chuckle.</p><p style="text-align: center;">*****</p><p>In other micromini news, if you lost your library card at the Maryland Zoo yesterday, a kind soul picked it up and has mailed it back to the Elkridge Branch. And people say there’s nothing good happening on TwitterX. You just never know what you might find.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4Ag8FV86200Sz10HDo1_TsuM2UHY2n_S96qYj7a_d45nfZhHLSkX48QycCdrQ9M1sCxCxK3X2V9XOKG43rn0Wkv2P3lzYiG2yxbsYSfH87WUJOfWKou38zL2IT0Y86wO1v33Tks4TC3iPXZ4qUIj1bHq9RR6AXucKsOBAZBlCBRVdsQjSQHjDuJsmHk/s2051/IMG_1738.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1509" data-original-width="2051" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4Ag8FV86200Sz10HDo1_TsuM2UHY2n_S96qYj7a_d45nfZhHLSkX48QycCdrQ9M1sCxCxK3X2V9XOKG43rn0Wkv2P3lzYiG2yxbsYSfH87WUJOfWKou38zL2IT0Y86wO1v33Tks4TC3iPXZ4qUIj1bHq9RR6AXucKsOBAZBlCBRVdsQjSQHjDuJsmHk/w400-h294/IMG_1738.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;">*****</p><p><br /></p><p>I often say that three things make a blog post. Well, the third one today is a micromini sermon. If you are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day today and your celebrations include alcohol: bring a designated driver. Or, be the reliable friend who chooses to be the designated driver. If you are on your own, do not hesitate for one minute to call a taxi or ride service if you are not safe to drive yourself home. </p><p>Have a plan. Love yourself - - and everyone who may be out on the roads tonight - - enough to get behind the wheel only if you are reliably sober. </p><p>In the meantime, there are many ways to enjoy Irish culture that don’t include alcohol: music, dance, food, art, literature, history, folk arts and craft…Make sure you are around to enjoy them all next year.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-25770961727248773112024-03-16T05:02:00.000-07:002024-03-16T05:02:04.728-07:00Stylish Saturday<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1rn5HGQ6UWNdp154fhI_zgZz_p9NdgqZhmYR34Ui4IQLmkkkSQt9mPp2RhHzHokSMZATG3P73aBPkDA33D3cKjGQgPzWZBkyGMYPt_M1Q3YRYBpoLORz3J8j8Q7UpAYBJDIDTlzwmbswo1IwRZSBt8axXFRCk__txvGO_n3Fc6pO3RCCOTtDK_5wUH4/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL1rn5HGQ6UWNdp154fhI_zgZz_p9NdgqZhmYR34Ui4IQLmkkkSQt9mPp2RhHzHokSMZATG3P73aBPkDA33D3cKjGQgPzWZBkyGMYPt_M1Q3YRYBpoLORz3J8j8Q7UpAYBJDIDTlzwmbswo1IwRZSBt8axXFRCk__txvGO_n3Fc6pO3RCCOTtDK_5wUH4/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Happy Saturday! My weather app tells me it’s going to be a sunny and clear Spring day (but watch out for the pollen.) Here are three indoor activities that might entice you away from nature walks or yard work:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IdUSXp19lxlO7Sfset1Wrn-5UaP-KBIvEUriZsc_UG3umj81TjKCkAwCj_w_gPlSXUbTz4GIvi_lTP-lOvcxh_rQ-hq3p22eaJiGWmydqKdDe0R5ZvLtsdM3HmjSIhcSw0u8i9NXJw4Dp74xb09AZ9tcEXESA5bYuQElM7E5e0AFO7ZlNli_eE0mp9M/s1267/IMG_1729.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="1267" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IdUSXp19lxlO7Sfset1Wrn-5UaP-KBIvEUriZsc_UG3umj81TjKCkAwCj_w_gPlSXUbTz4GIvi_lTP-lOvcxh_rQ-hq3p22eaJiGWmydqKdDe0R5ZvLtsdM3HmjSIhcSw0u8i9NXJw4Dp74xb09AZ9tcEXESA5bYuQElM7E5e0AFO7ZlNli_eE0mp9M/w400-h283/IMG_1729.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Check out the <a href="https://facebook.com/events/s/sustainability-clothing-swap/2071691283201914/" target="_blank">Sustainability Clothing Swap</a> at Freetown Farm/Community Ecology Institute from 11 am to 1pm. </p><p><b>CEl's Green SEEDS interns invite you to a Sustainability Clothing Swap at Freetown Farm (8000 Harriet Tubman Ln) on Saturday, March 16th from 11am - 1pm. Bring clothing you're ready to part with and a bag to bring home your clothing swap finds!</b></p><p></p><p><b>New and gently used clothing only. No undergarments, please.</b></p><p><b>This clothing swap is part of the interns' Climate Action Plan Project -</b></p><p><b>Strategy: Expand the Use of Sustainable Materials and Reduce Waste Generation and Disposal</b></p><p><b>Action: Reduce the use of single-use items, particularly plastics and promote waste reduction and reuse throughout Howard County.</b></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYpN0moVi8ccQ4letYOp1UoZl6E_VW7vNCqRKQnvWmsz_yn_jJRq-hpHG5at5Zn3FNlH9uP2cBFQfDVM08x7Vl9NZ9YB7owVpmK024xZ9gYU0Y_8IINYP9JNM3sa5hklqbYqkUrrwWVaeaH5RA5AxwQxR_wtsTmS2-FLdv3_WZxwwpHqD1WhZ9VVXHPg/s1230/IMG_1730.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="1230" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTYpN0moVi8ccQ4letYOp1UoZl6E_VW7vNCqRKQnvWmsz_yn_jJRq-hpHG5at5Zn3FNlH9uP2cBFQfDVM08x7Vl9NZ9YB7owVpmK024xZ9gYU0Y_8IINYP9JNM3sa5hklqbYqkUrrwWVaeaH5RA5AxwQxR_wtsTmS2-FLdv3_WZxwwpHqD1WhZ9VVXHPg/w400-h230/IMG_1730.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Columbia Moms of Multiples is back for another year of their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/camom.consignment.sale" target="_blank">Children’s Consignment Sale</a> at Cradlerock Elementary School. </div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you have purchased a VIP pass you can enter at 7:30am. Free public admission starts at 8am. Half-price shopping is from 12-1pm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHZbAhSbitxgX93ZUnK3xEColg-9fjAVxPXNE22I-mVK8Q077NLFeszUVV5MI_L3nPJaThYWdWHSIHO6FiPUIJzOgr9U-jMBFtlFiiZDrcOiN-FRDK87leIhshCFHRDQm3iccNuiD6lkeQezwsqYpP1_z7Gd9dMV5wvBr9LeYrKBGKrZaR2CGzVu8FDs/s960/IMG_1731.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="742" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHZbAhSbitxgX93ZUnK3xEColg-9fjAVxPXNE22I-mVK8Q077NLFeszUVV5MI_L3nPJaThYWdWHSIHO6FiPUIJzOgr9U-jMBFtlFiiZDrcOiN-FRDK87leIhshCFHRDQm3iccNuiD6lkeQezwsqYpP1_z7Gd9dMV5wvBr9LeYrKBGKrZaR2CGzVu8FDs/w309-h400/IMG_1731.jpeg" width="309" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Atholton High School’s Becca’s Closet student group, in collaboration with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, are holding their annual free promwear event today from 9-2. <p></p><p><b>We have over 2,000 dresses, shoes, jewelry, and purses all for FREE. This is truly an amazing event that we work so hard for all year and we would love to see a great turnout, spread the word! </b></p><p>The event organizers have posted photos of the items on offer in a variety of places on social media: this is quite a haul! </p><p>I just realized that all of these items are clothing oriented. Let me know of other events this weekend that my readers might be interested in and I will share them.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments </a></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-49701303280197452802024-03-15T04:52:00.000-07:002024-03-15T09:54:12.170-07:00F ³: A Letter from Far Away <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix30ER4ZdiRhGnNCpMk_bAYSWMsyipjokF1KthtTwB37SJC4ky5KJNvLkXuGxhS97W-hOGgB63KtNI53aVALMUkKk3q6KaAbPWXaKKgCGwxDvda122SUZbjOIWtnAN6pG3drHK_NbXhewUUY2OUg6toP2HLkeAP-wZMy7fG5GzNLJ9Uwfb3VtzdY1seS0/s676/IMG_8955.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="669" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix30ER4ZdiRhGnNCpMk_bAYSWMsyipjokF1KthtTwB37SJC4ky5KJNvLkXuGxhS97W-hOGgB63KtNI53aVALMUkKk3q6KaAbPWXaKKgCGwxDvda122SUZbjOIWtnAN6pG3drHK_NbXhewUUY2OUg6toP2HLkeAP-wZMy7fG5GzNLJ9Uwfb3VtzdY1seS0/w198-h200/IMG_8955.jpeg" width="198" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The President of the United States released a statement yesterday on the death of nonbinary highschool student Nex Benedict.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHg-n0HSjkDtFy7nDR5ciDxyfjVUYbeLeDTDirIOL-v416t7ieLXCJbVVzrYRd_XI0URbStMnflgbu6Wof6bRv3ddtV5ilZj61Clk7CBbSeWM0uZPaCwiuFC5C_MzqxkqB16DU_8-J-7OFkPUch4hqo7F30iv-UGXyD5h6cVe7iRQIugpb03b3hkAUJo/s1317/IMG_1723.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1317" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHg-n0HSjkDtFy7nDR5ciDxyfjVUYbeLeDTDirIOL-v416t7ieLXCJbVVzrYRd_XI0URbStMnflgbu6Wof6bRv3ddtV5ilZj61Clk7CBbSeWM0uZPaCwiuFC5C_MzqxkqB16DU_8-J-7OFkPUch4hqo7F30iv-UGXyD5h6cVe7iRQIugpb03b3hkAUJo/w324-h400/IMG_1723.jpeg" width="324" /></a> </div><br /><p>I’m glad that he did. Nex Benedict’s loss should be mourned, their memory honored. Their brutal beating in a high school bathroom should be faced and reviled. It should be both a reminder and a call to action for anyone who thinks that we don’t have to worry anymore about violence towards LGBTQIA+ people in our country.</p><p>But it is a message from afar. President Biden has not been, nor will he ever be, in that bathroom, slammed against the floor, verbally and physically crushed and wounded. His words are from a commander-in-chief to victims in a war he will never know or truly understand. This doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t have said them. </p><p>It’s just important that we see them in context.</p><p>The story of Nex Benedict makes me sick with rage and grief and fear. I’m a little bit closer to this war than the President, having had an adolescent child not that long ago and a spouse who teaches high school. I see very clearly that every adult who speaks words of hate and rejection and mockery based on gender identity and/or sexual orientation has a hand in this death.</p><p>They have spoken it into existence: around dinner tables, in online rants, at school board meetings. </p><p>Last night American screenwriter and director <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Nyswaner" target="_blank">Ron Nyswaner</a> made <a href="https://x.com/netflixjunkieof/status/1768512895313158570?s=61&t=_0mVe_Uyzk-mvBhfqlhvOg" target="_blank">this appeal </a>during his speech at this year’s GLAAD Awards. </p><p>It’s 20 seconds long. <a href="https://x.com/netflixjunkieof/status/1768512895313158570?s=61&t=_0mVe_Uyzk-mvBhfqlhvOg" target="_blank">Watch it. </a></p><p>These are words from someone who has been right in there in the battle. They move me in a way that the President’s words do not. Because he has been there. He knows. And his experiences have turned him into a warrior for acceptance. Nyswaner is an encourager in the face of all of the rejection. He is offering hope to young people who feel they have none. </p><p>“We will not stop fighting to be here. And we will win… Love always wins.”</p><p>But love will only win if we <b>live</b> it, and we must live it fiercely. Kind words from far away do not have the power to protect the young and vulnerable as they lie bruised and broken on a bathroom floor. </p><p>When you speak, when you act, and when you vote - - be the shield that protects them, the encourager when hope seems lost. Most of all, be a warrior for acceptance. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-62143140345627031792024-03-14T03:52:00.000-07:002024-03-14T04:33:35.527-07:00Whine in the Woods? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgXrcoQ4xgjK4yYhhGr_JCNTAA8RDhmMnf0nEj2Rf9ZAg9YEqfel59-x8dyfM7WiadTMiolCFFx7wiUffWmxYPk-Dzn7XDEuDGzS4dPcROe2V5WpiJjNyITC5iv-u-UQVYkgejD_HDlib6DzE7T3xY0V42xyXubwmsYLXYBXcqVxQodmfdsmP6_H7OKc/s1632/image.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1632" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgXrcoQ4xgjK4yYhhGr_JCNTAA8RDhmMnf0nEj2Rf9ZAg9YEqfel59-x8dyfM7WiadTMiolCFFx7wiUffWmxYPk-Dzn7XDEuDGzS4dPcROe2V5WpiJjNyITC5iv-u-UQVYkgejD_HDlib6DzE7T3xY0V42xyXubwmsYLXYBXcqVxQodmfdsmP6_H7OKc/w200-h200/image.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>If you live in Columbia/HoCo long enough you will come to understand that there are certain annual events that locals believe are theirs by right. I’m not saying that they are merely liked or beloved or generally accepted traditions. I’m saying that many local believe that these things are <b>owed</b> them. </p><p>Woe be unto you if you try to tinker with them or somehow get in the way.</p><p>These things? You could probably name them yourself.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fireworks at the Lakefront</li><li>The Poinsettia Tree at the Mall</li><li>Symphony of Lights</li><li>Wine in the Woods</li></ul><div>At the risk of sounding sacrilegious, you would think from seeing the way some folks talk- - and behave - - that these things were ordained by God. I used to think it was a bit silly. Now there are days when I find it almost alarming. </div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps it is because Columbia is a relatively new place. We don’t have hundreds of years of history anchoring our community. On the one hand, Rouse wanted to do something entirely new when he created Columbia. On the other hand his longings for that new place grew out of memories of a small-town childhood. Small towns need traditions, and celebrations, and things to look forward to year after year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back in Easton, Maryland, the place of Rouse’s boyhood, they may have had ladies’ sewing circles and gentleman who sat outside the country store chatting about local happenings. We have social media and boy, is it ever ugly. </div><div> </div><div>So: here we are in 2024 and something is going to be different about Wine in the Woods and people are MAD. Everyone’s an armchair analyst. </div><div><br /></div><div>I’m not. </div><div><br /></div><div>I’ve read as many <a href="https://www.wmar2news.com/local/maryland-wine-votes-to-end-partnership-with-howard-countys-wine-in-the-woods" target="_blank">news articles</a> as I could find and they tell the basics. If there’s an “inside story” I don’t have it. Sure, it would be fun - - from a curiosity standpoint - - but, I don’t truly have a need to know. </div><div><br /></div><div>My deeper need would be to understand why we are so gol-dang inflexible here in the New American City. Wasn’t Columbia created in a spirit of trying new things? Change was good, right? Now we act like we are old and cranky and one small fracture will fell us. </div><div><br /></div><div>If a change to Wine in the Woods is the end if the world then boy, are we ever in trouble. It might be a good thing, it might not. But the annual reenactment of a festival created expressly for the purpose of drinking alcohol in the heat is not owed to us. It is not a public good like schools and libraries. </div><div><br /></div><div>It’s not a need. It’s a want, a “nice to have.” If you have wonderful memories of it I am glad for you. I’d love to hear them. If you have rants - - well, there’s other places on the internet to share them. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments </a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-33186156296440280722024-03-13T04:15:00.000-07:002024-03-13T04:15:26.928-07:00Blaming the Victim<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqSkVBS2eYoB3dJ-d_vlb_75UpFyU5Wwq4FW4SIbuZMQJSMHG0IThJS3csrsi8KUrE_-OmP9mzYCDpNqcPeGe-ZIvprZSMI_iaOYIJMBAHMiOs8cPgCjtJvFtC9bumkBXFl11UV_nkoIQXT2u3C_ktX0_N9zEuoUjoT999SMiYazkd9f567ek9aZGN5A/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqSkVBS2eYoB3dJ-d_vlb_75UpFyU5Wwq4FW4SIbuZMQJSMHG0IThJS3csrsi8KUrE_-OmP9mzYCDpNqcPeGe-ZIvprZSMI_iaOYIJMBAHMiOs8cPgCjtJvFtC9bumkBXFl11UV_nkoIQXT2u3C_ktX0_N9zEuoUjoT999SMiYazkd9f567ek9aZGN5A/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><b>Why do women still insist on jogging alone?</b></p><p><b>That was a poor choice of time to be jogging in dark park with long winding trails. Tree and brush thick along those trails. If dark, never jog in any park anywhere. Wait till other people around and light still present.</b></p><p>Can you guess what local story these two men were responding to? </p><p><b>Howard County Police are increasing patrols in Centennial Park after a woman reported she was struck by an unknown man on a jogging trail. The 24-year-old victim reported that on March 11 a male suspect grabbed her from behind and struck her around 6:30 a.m. She was able to flee to her vehicle with a minor injury and did not require medical treatment. She described the man as White or Hispanic, 5’7”-5’9” tall, with dark eyes, wearing a black cloth medical mask and a black plain baseball hat. People in the area should be alert for anything suspicious. Anyone with information should contact police at 410-313-STOP or HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov. </b>- - Howard County Police Department </p><p>Yes, victim blaming is alive and well in Howard County.”Why do women insist on jogging alone?” The question I’d like to see people asking: why do men insist on attacking women? I don’t see anyone asking that. Instead I see admonishments and dire warnings, and lists of rules that women must follow in order to be safe. </p><p>Surely a woman can be safe if she:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Chooses approved times of day to be out and about</li><li>Chooses approved locations in which to travel</li><li>Brings an extra person</li><li>Brings a large dog</li><li>Brings a gun</li></ul><p></p><p>This is not a recipe for safety. This is a societally approved system of restrictions for being a woman. </p><p>Step outside the line? You brought it on yourself.</p><p>Hey there, men. What are you going to do to prevent yourself from attacking a woman today? What measures will you take to make sure you’re not an attacker? Perhaps you should limit the times you are out and about or only choose to travel to places where you won’t come in contact with women alone. Even better - - maybe you need to bring along an extra person with a big dog and a gun to keep you from being an attacker. </p><p>That might do it.</p><p>The men who feel so confident in passing judgement in these situations seem to have one thing in common: blame. Bad things are never their fault. The finger of accusation is always pointed at someone else:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It’s her own fault</li><li>It’s Those People</li><li>It’s Illegals</li><li>It’s the County Executive </li></ul><p></p><p>I wonder if this is a character trait that they share with attackers. Do they, too, go through life pointing the finger at others? Claiming that their own bad actions are someone else’s fault? </p><p><i>She made me do it.</i></p><p><i>Nobody treats me right.</i></p><p>One thing I don’t see in all those comments: empathy. And that scares me almost as much as the current of blame, if not moreso.</p><p>Dear woman who was jogging at Centennial, I really feel for you. That must have been such a frightening experience. I hope you are surrounded by the kind of love and support that will help you feel more like yourself as you heal from this experience.</p><p>It’s not your fault.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-29020737504801860452024-03-12T04:32:00.000-07:002024-03-12T04:40:21.996-07:00Do You Know Who I Am?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKJiPgGG2ey-0CMp4dRw8mg1XmF1TX8hw6M297mLQincHLEoc9lzOhl3Sg0I_vQqDaW1X-cZbTTzkntXaOJJs5z5ZR-0ah87pENbwSlHI3WyB9S0VLNLwbqvstj4lpPC9xkuojXGodqs8nr94E_hGSeiA8VsytfTtY8owTKva_Rp20-Gn52FHKB-PdeE/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKJiPgGG2ey-0CMp4dRw8mg1XmF1TX8hw6M297mLQincHLEoc9lzOhl3Sg0I_vQqDaW1X-cZbTTzkntXaOJJs5z5ZR-0ah87pENbwSlHI3WyB9S0VLNLwbqvstj4lpPC9xkuojXGodqs8nr94E_hGSeiA8VsytfTtY8owTKva_Rp20-Gn52FHKB-PdeE/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I’m a long-time fan of the radio news quiz “Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me” on NPR. I’ve discovered how listening in each week makes following the news more fun. If I pay attention during the week, I might know an answer on “Wait Wait”! I was excited when one of the call-in contestants this past week identified themselves as Dave from Columbia, Maryland. Suddenly my favorite radio show became a local story.</p><p>I felt sure that someone I knew must know who this caller was. So I posted on social media:</p><p><b>Need to know: who was “Dave from Columbia” on last week’s Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me?</b></p><p>The two particular local people I know named Dave were <b>not</b> the caller in question, alas. Although a friend pointed out that there must be many Daves in Columbia, I was optimistic I’d be able to locate him. I know it seems ridiculous. And yet…</p><p>Not too long after my post someone I knew confirmed that they, indeed, knew “Dave from Columbia.”And that’s really all I needed to know. The story of his winning turn on a national radio show was <b>his</b> to tell, not mine. I was just tickled to be able to locate him. </p><p>If you’re reading this, Dave: congratulations!</p><p>Speaking of names, </p><p><b>Help us choose a “boring” name! </b></p><p><b>The North Tunnel is a transformative project that will serve as a model for flood mitigation across our nation and world. As we prepare to break ground on this once in a generation project this summer, I invite our residents to help name the Tunnel Boring Machine that will be used to construct the North Tunnel. Options include: Ellicott Drills, Ellicott Excavator, Granite, Granite Grinder, Hudson, and Rocky. </b></p><p><b>Choose your favorite name at <a href="https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/howardcomd/Issue_13631">https://communityfeedback.opengov.com/portals/howardcomd/Issue_13631</a></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p5mkoh0NijPSiQbrb6E4rYukMBhiLKmhT-Uypra7cqtmgF1efZ_B5SGQdFzejHHhuT95svnxS57NPa9MZOYRq0pBkYrVoiDyjZ8a2Qhef0CRyJwUCzdlP2_fFzD8h-i9q8H3AAy0_Rv7Y8NYDvdkFlkjUaAtYSyeFnPbnq4e95TOhfxRND-vO3K_W8g/s1200/IMG_1703.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0p5mkoh0NijPSiQbrb6E4rYukMBhiLKmhT-Uypra7cqtmgF1efZ_B5SGQdFzejHHhuT95svnxS57NPa9MZOYRq0pBkYrVoiDyjZ8a2Qhef0CRyJwUCzdlP2_fFzD8h-i9q8H3AAy0_Rv7Y8NYDvdkFlkjUaAtYSyeFnPbnq4e95TOhfxRND-vO3K_W8g/w400-h400/IMG_1703.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Image from HoCoGov social media </div><p><br /></p><p>No, you do not get to submit your own personal suggestions. You may choose from the above options. People who want “Drilly McDrillface” may be disappointed, but those are the rules. I’m sure you may call it whatever you want around the house. I have already voted. The most difficult part was proving I was not a robot. </p><p>Why go through the public process to pick a name for an inanimate object? Possibly to make it less scary? To remind local folks that this is the next step in the Ellicott City Safe and Sound plan? To have a little non-controversial fun?</p><p>That last one seems to be difficult for some people, if you take a look at the County Executive’s Facebook page.</p><p>A few years ago the Columbia Association held a <a href="https://columbiaassociation.org/open-space/announcing-the-winner-of-our-name-the-aqua-mower-contest/" target="_blank">naming contest</a> for their Aqua Mower. The winning name was Chompers, submitted by nine year old Quintin. This is Chompers:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52SmXmVE_7vuPPUqEXndjsuGdDvzv_-8I1zFkpr0qAKcPQdkoY4trCGz6jfVv80CEVkpEhL82qAG8KlNWMaf8jd4W9vX0L62wmA1kOV5G58kWmwR5SVH93-pO_bkLFf7VkNND0IlIfhV-PzaUTGCLfxSFqCzgx7u-Gk_IckODUVjoOf6GiiTM8s3ZVP4/s1024/IMG_1704.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh52SmXmVE_7vuPPUqEXndjsuGdDvzv_-8I1zFkpr0qAKcPQdkoY4trCGz6jfVv80CEVkpEhL82qAG8KlNWMaf8jd4W9vX0L62wmA1kOV5G58kWmwR5SVH93-pO_bkLFf7VkNND0IlIfhV-PzaUTGCLfxSFqCzgx7u-Gk_IckODUVjoOf6GiiTM8s3ZVP4/w400-h266/IMG_1704.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Image from Columbia Association social media </div><p><br /></p><p>We don’t have an actual photo of the soon-to-be named Boring Machine. Perhaps we will catch a glimpse once the contest is over. I wonder if local dignitaries will christen it with a bottle of champagne. (From Tersiguels, perhaps? The Wine Bin?)</p><p>What do you think? Are the name choices too boring, or not boring enough?</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² comments </a></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-11211021147384037852024-03-11T04:08:00.000-07:002024-03-11T04:21:54.865-07:00Wish You Were Here<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G9uy_4dwjTLN8orZI2-B6E_Tmwf1CKVkvbF7NhV3aQMpDLGqbti67uomdf6eUcE-12Qce0Yj2ynSwjSXVbbRXXbC1PuLA-0BitzApkRU7DCWHbKnd8qB4SRvsX0fT16aClCqk_YzlFxnmMHCQhlSGL178Ja8Bv52WROt97DsTnGgSnVfKb6nVIiFf6U/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G9uy_4dwjTLN8orZI2-B6E_Tmwf1CKVkvbF7NhV3aQMpDLGqbti67uomdf6eUcE-12Qce0Yj2ynSwjSXVbbRXXbC1PuLA-0BitzApkRU7DCWHbKnd8qB4SRvsX0fT16aClCqk_YzlFxnmMHCQhlSGL178Ja8Bv52WROt97DsTnGgSnVfKb6nVIiFf6U/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>When was the last time you sent a postcard? Received one? I feel like vacation postcards used to be a bigger deal than they are today, what with the instant communication capabilities of smart phones and social media. These days I’m more likely to receive a postcard-sized piece of mail trying to sell me something or reminding me to vote. </p><p>The Columbia Association got me thinking about postcards with their new Columbia Village promotion, shared here from Instagram.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPG_EdPhrwAKGR6L8YquWtfdJwwW_T4VusfLB_QVzjcdVJRs8_Rou7JB46O_7LGlxNXOUnDMt2ouPxhBDl221HZLHuACQZPUwF9pHvx-xcS6wiq6LPIknUlpCtrlgEBPn4fXpH04iK91t2WzR_X_3vlmYBT5xZpZvWaf451ACY7LG0jzxSxYRNyWY2zw/s1281/IMG_1699.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="1281" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigPG_EdPhrwAKGR6L8YquWtfdJwwW_T4VusfLB_QVzjcdVJRs8_Rou7JB46O_7LGlxNXOUnDMt2ouPxhBDl221HZLHuACQZPUwF9pHvx-xcS6wiq6LPIknUlpCtrlgEBPn4fXpH04iK91t2WzR_X_3vlmYBT5xZpZvWaf451ACY7LG0jzxSxYRNyWY2zw/w400-h398/IMG_1699.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Dear Columbia,</b></p><p><b>We love our villages' uniqueness and want you to share those memories with us!</b></p><p><b>Celebrate Your Village Pride </b></p><p><b>Whether it's a candid snapshot, a portrait from your favorite village event, or a landscape that embodies the spirit of your neighborhood, share your pride through your lens!</b></p><p><b>You may see your entry on a postcard.</b></p><p>Here’s the link to learn more and to submit a photo: <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CK89SFT" target="_blank">Columbia Village Photo Contest</a>. </p><p>I must admit I was surprised to see CA focusing on Villages. They seem to be far more interested in CA services and programs and the overall CA brand of late. I’m extremely curious as to how these postcards will be used. Any ideas?</p><p>Way back in 2013 I wrote about the whole Village concept and wondered about its present day relevance.</p><p><a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2013/05/how-villagey-are-you.html" target="_blank">How Villagey Are You?</a> Village Green/Town², May 23, 2013</p><p><b>When newer residents move to Columbia, they may be looking for the right house at the right price, good schools, a decent commute. The Village concept may not even figure into the decision at all. Once they are here, it remains possible to live, work and shop without really gaining an understanding of what Columbia's Villages mean, or the unique qualities of their own village. It may be hard for long-time Columbians to believe this, but it's true. Columbia can be just a nice suburban place with grass and trees and shopping centers, if you don't know.</b></p><p>Frankly, I’d love to see a slide show of <b>all</b> of the submitted photos, in order to learn more about other people’s villages. What are the favorite vistas? Cherished views? Village-centric activities and events? I think it would be fun to get a glimpse into all the other bubbles inside our big Columbubble.</p><p>Speaking of the Big Columbubble, the CA Board is conducting virtual interviews for hiring a new President/CEO. After that they will move to the final stages of the hiring process. The goal is to have the new hire on board by May 1st. </p><p>I haven’t seen any official word on how long after the date of hire the Board will be required to wait before they devour them. Those sorts of things tend to happen on their own timeline.</p><p>Do you think you might have a postcard perfect photo? Let me know. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS_MB-WXxUNm7b6xL4F5OBfzgmrVMG-cwqZxkaapYDQkGgGP-QHXQpC9TaDl12TcxeUYzJp2nTd92Qepdn91PL9UQ26joPOxo-sFOnCQTnCrufm1PWLZ7Iqai5TBP9n08JZSPm3ZrLDrTxeyDFyDGx_H5Lhw7yHvCtXBfrVI0ONS6AfOx_snwroHXhrE/s3264/IMG_1702.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS_MB-WXxUNm7b6xL4F5OBfzgmrVMG-cwqZxkaapYDQkGgGP-QHXQpC9TaDl12TcxeUYzJp2nTd92Qepdn91PL9UQ26joPOxo-sFOnCQTnCrufm1PWLZ7Iqai5TBP9n08JZSPm3ZrLDrTxeyDFyDGx_H5Lhw7yHvCtXBfrVI0ONS6AfOx_snwroHXhrE/w400-h300/IMG_1702.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-87663766130417182632024-03-10T06:28:00.000-07:002024-03-10T08:52:21.066-07:00A New Mall<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgQ4lnqXQQSmhLkbOmGwvD7xZXZ5N41B0g-n2fqM7-sDfTAkVxZ126oJQne-W6sVpki_i93AxsKo41G5adulKbZQQySNd389FQOt8FGhoKPoOuQ8CyyJXTW_I7Q1fkiNievzn-Jn-AzV-39_Oj6yNIe1ym441lfc7DJbe0UC9IFbbc2FLF_q-szf_aqY/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgQ4lnqXQQSmhLkbOmGwvD7xZXZ5N41B0g-n2fqM7-sDfTAkVxZ126oJQne-W6sVpki_i93AxsKo41G5adulKbZQQySNd389FQOt8FGhoKPoOuQ8CyyJXTW_I7Q1fkiNievzn-Jn-AzV-39_Oj6yNIe1ym441lfc7DJbe0UC9IFbbc2FLF_q-szf_aqY/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div> “Sentences I Did Not Expect to Read for 500, Alex.”<p></p><p><b>We desperately need another mall in Columbia.</b></p><p>Really? </p><p>It’s amazing what you can find on Nextdoor. I absolutely had to know the motivation of the poster. It didn’t take long to find out. </p><p><b>We desperately need another Mall in Columbia. Finding a parking spot at the Columbia Mall is ridiculous. I avoid at all costs to visit that place but sometimes it’s not avoidable. Just driving around there it’s a nightmare!</b></p><p>“We need another mall in Columbia because it is difficult to park and that is frustrating to me,” might be another way to say this. I immediately thought of online conversations when the Snowden movie theater closed and the public was uncertain about its future. A substantial contingent said that they avoided the AMC because they hated the Mall.</p><p>Local blogger Jeremy Dommu of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/themerriweatherpost" target="_blank">Merriweather Post</a> assessed quite rightly that it was the parking they hated, not necessarily the Mall itself. In a tweet (twiX?) from July, 2023 he noted:</p><p><b>I read lots of comments about difficulty parking at the mall but that's only true for that main surface lot. I find mall parking easy to find if I avoid that main surface lot and park in one of the garages or lesser used surface lots (e.g. by Nordstrom or JC Penney).</b></p><p>I’m not convinced that we need another mall in Columbia but I do think that the original poster had a legitimate issue that they were looking to resolve. It probably looks like this:</p><p><i>At the times when I want to shop at the Mall, I cannot find parking close to the entrance I want to go in. (Nearest to the stores I want to shop in,)</i></p><p>If we accept that as the basic premise, then some of the suggestions made by helpful neighbors or Nextdoor won’t work:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Shop on different days or at different times</li><li>Park in different, less-frequented lots </li></ul><div>Perhaps this poster has limited time availability for shopping due to work or family caregiving. Perhaps they are unable to walk longer distances. I think there are folks who would be quick to laugh at our original poster but we don’t really know what their needs are. I’m going to reserve judgement.</div><div><br /></div><div>What stood out to me about the resulting conversation was its general helpfulness. I started to say civility but Howard County has done a number on that word from which it has not yet recovered. In addition to suggesting alternative times and parking locations, here are some of the other issues that came up. </div><div><br /></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>As a whole, malls are struggling if not dying out. Seems unlikely we’d need an additional one.</li><li>The Mall in Columbia actually has empty retail space at the moment.</li><li>Some are suggesting that a new Downtown library branch could go there.</li><li>Is there any land left in Columbia to build a mall on?</li></ul><div>The two comments I found the most intriguing were about <b>who</b> was in the parking spaces. One suggestion was that, because parents now had to chaperone teens, their cars were the ones taking up space. Someone else commented that it wasn’t the real mall shoppers gumming up the works, it was the people patronizing places like Main Event and restaurants outside the mall. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Okay, I just went back and reread the entire thread and I have to admit it isn’t all sweetness and light. Some social media snark did work its way into the conversation. Comments along the lines of “Just walk five minutes. The exercise will be good for you,” do appear here and there. And again, comments like that don’t take into account that our shopper may have limited time or physical ability. </div><div><br /></div><div>One thing no one mentioned was public transit. If it were easy to hop a bus from where you lived - - and it had multiple stops around the mall - - you’d be able to get off at the entrance of your choice. No parking involved. Another possibility would be a shuttle system operating around the Mall property so that, no matter where you parked, you’d never be more than a short distance to a shuttle stop. </div><div><br /></div><div>Every time I’ve attended a special event that employed a shuttle service I’ve been impressed by how convenient and efficient they are. I’ve <a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2019/11/get-on-bus.html" target="_blank">written</a> about this concept before but, alas, I appear to be the only person excited by it. Still, I think it’s a better solution than building a new mall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friends, who am I kidding? I rarely shop at the mall, so this is more of an intellectual exercise for me. What do you think?</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments </a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p></p></div>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-5407456812907592002024-03-09T03:02:00.000-08:002024-03-09T03:02:43.424-08:00Signs of Spring <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhjRYxhvN_UQ9BHJGvAzOKDZ578ABpWQX_cAy-HFi2ePBtEq_XB06p8RDCo5ORIOUvu1EZxwx0y0t8es2JSQ7SRjcXeBoGadBecn8MQwlciE4gc51acmG9UiTwxTeYt64xMCq417-n6kmLpjcgXyYH9V94eO-vGjzFhsPDGfjg4qmbYWpihQ9YB69PjA/s1632/image.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1632" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhjRYxhvN_UQ9BHJGvAzOKDZ578ABpWQX_cAy-HFi2ePBtEq_XB06p8RDCo5ORIOUvu1EZxwx0y0t8es2JSQ7SRjcXeBoGadBecn8MQwlciE4gc51acmG9UiTwxTeYt64xMCq417-n6kmLpjcgXyYH9V94eO-vGjzFhsPDGfjg4qmbYWpihQ9YB69PjA/w200-h200/image.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>How do I know it’s Spring? High school musicals are in bloom. The enthusiasm of the performances will cheer you even if the weather does not. For ticket prices in the ten to fifteen dollar range, you can enjoy live musical theatre close to home. It’s a big bang for the buck and they usually sell yummy snacks during intermission. </p><p>The jumping off point for performing arts at HCPSS can be found <a href="https://www.hcpss.org/academics/fine-arts/performance-schedule/" target="_blank">here</a>. The <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tOET9xREA2DJWliwD0b7row7xJ6rgKp_H7vlHi0zcOo/edit#gid=1761638711" target="_blank">theatre schedules</a> for all the high schools is a Google doc. It’s not the easiest thing to read, but, at least it provides all the information in one place. You can purchase tickets for any of the shows at <a href="http://hcpss.booktix.com" target="_blank">hcpss.booktix.com </a>. I’m pretty sure that all performances county-wide are open seating. </p><p>This weekend you have your choice of:</p><p>Atholton: Once Upon a Mattress </p><p>Centennial: Legally Blonde</p><p>Long Reach: Sister Act</p><p>Oakland Mills: The Little Mermaid </p><p>Wilde Lake: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee</p><p>My apologies to all the musicals that went up before this. I just didn’t think of it until today. </p><p style="text-align: center;">*****</p><p>About the school budget. The other day I commented:</p><p><b>I came away from last night wondering why they don’t start working on the next’s years budget as soon as they pass the current one. (If they do: tell me and I will edit this and apologize profusely.) </b></p><p>Someone in a position to know was kind enough to share with me that Central Office staff start working on the budget in August (as many take vacations during July.) Some departments are planning further ahead - - up to two years or more. My question remains - - then why does the <b>Board’s</b> response to the budget give the impression of shock and surprise? </p><p>That one I can’t answer. Nevertheless, I’m sorry for my error and will go back and add this information to my original post. - - jam</p><p>Have a great Saturday! </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments </a></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-71602942688490870662024-03-08T04:25:00.000-08:002024-03-08T06:13:47.442-08:00F ³: Is Poetry Dead? Or is it Just Me.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOGjt5rb2To_mJBfK_QzngVomEx8K1xRsPcL9kZEt8HQ5f9JlAIB2wTQGid-c16g1BkdVAHfiv-OLuV_wJg4Z3LK1LiZ0S2GgphER7PKLT9KzTZQLrRrFXNzvleUE0U0phn16mAqmAY1b8pzw6qRyeRjaJRgI1YLke14Rh5TYGbRMcXdcGh06ujerazc/s676/IMG_8955.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="669" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOGjt5rb2To_mJBfK_QzngVomEx8K1xRsPcL9kZEt8HQ5f9JlAIB2wTQGid-c16g1BkdVAHfiv-OLuV_wJg4Z3LK1LiZ0S2GgphER7PKLT9KzTZQLrRrFXNzvleUE0U0phn16mAqmAY1b8pzw6qRyeRjaJRgI1YLke14Rh5TYGbRMcXdcGh06ujerazc/w198-h200/IMG_8955.jpeg" width="198" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I grew up on poetry. My mother read poems aloud to me at bedtime from a worn and well loved paperback collection of poems for children. Among my favorites were the Sugarplum Tree and the Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat. The anthology included many old favorites my mother had learned growing up, such as the Land of Counterpane and The Swing by Robert Louis Stevenson.</p><p>Also included in my poetry diet were the books by A.A. Milne - - When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six. My sisters and I were so familiar with those rhymes that we could recite many of them by heart, notably a poem called Disobedience.</p><p><b>James James<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></p><p><b>Morrison Morrison<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></p><p><b>Weatherby George Dupree<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></p><p><b>Took great<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></p><p><b>Care of his Mother<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></p><p><b>Though he was only three.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></p><p><b>James James<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></p><p><b>Said to his Mother,<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></p><p><b>"Mother," he said, said he;<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></p><p><b>"You must never go down to the end of the town, if</b></p><p><b>you don't go down with me."</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span></p><div>It wasn’t until the fourth grade that I learned that not all poems rhymed. I was stunned. In our Language Arts class we learned the mechanics of writing something called a cinquain. Syllabically speaking, it’s 2,4,6,8,2. This was an entirely new experience. I immediately wrote one that earned me praise from the teacher and probably more concern than I knew.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Loneliness</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Is there</b></div><div><b>In that black gloom</b></div><div><b>Not speaking, not listening </b></div><div><b>Til I could cry out with sadness</b></div><div><b>I weep</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The point of all this is that poetry was everywhere when I was growing up, both at home and at school. I was raised to believe it was an integral part of life. As I grew, there always seemed to be a new kind of poetry to grow into. I was deeply committed to ee cummings for a number of years. His anti-traditional way of putting words together appealed to my growing rebelliousness as a teenager. </div><div><br /></div><div>I wrote many, many poems during those years which took their inspiration from cummings. I wasn’t trying to create Great Art. I was attempting to express myself in a way that only poetry allowed. </div><div><br /></div><div>We studied poetry in high school and in college but the kind of analysis we were required to perform took a lot of the fun out of it for me. This was not poetry for self-nourishment and joy. It was dissection, classification, intellectual judgement. English teachers had apparently been brought into the world in order to get poetry down on the ground and break its arm. And possibly extract its soul.</div><div><br /></div><div>Poetry says, “let me breathe into these words the <a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2013/10/we-interrupt-this-program.html" target="_blank">essence</a> of my being.” English class says, “let us take notes and pass the test.”</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, I continued to write poetry - - independent of all that - - probably into my mid-twenties. Then I got a full-time job, got married, had children. Little by little the poetic voice in me diminished and went silent. I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately because of Howard County’s search for a Poet Laureate.</div><div><br /></div><div>What kind of people keep their poetic voice alive well into adulthood? It must be a miraculous thing, an heroic act of beating the odds. </div><div><br /></div><div>As you might expect, it was reading a poem yesterday that inspired me to write today’s post.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>there's laundry to do and a genocide to stop</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>there's laundry to do and a genocide to stop. I have to </b></div><div><b>eat better and also avoid a plague. my rent went up</b></div><div><b>$150. I'll need to pick up more shifts. Twenty people died </b></div><div><b>in Rafah this morning and every major news outlet is </b></div><div><b>stretching the limits of passive voice to suggest whole </b></div><div><b>families may have leaped up through the air at missiles </b></div><div><b>that otherwise had the right of way. I just got a </b></div><div><b>notification that my student loan payments are starting </b></div><div><b>up again and my phone isn't charged. My cousin got </b></div><div><b>COVID for a fourth time and can no longer work or walk </b></div><div><b>or even feed himself. The person across from me on the </b></div><div><b>L train seems to fashion themself a punk rock </b></div><div><b>revolutionary, but they're not wearing a face mask, and </b></div><div><b>that's the kind of cognitive dissonance that makes me </b></div><div><b>want to steal batteries. Fascists keep winning primaries </b></div><div><b>for both parties, and I think I gained a few pounds. The </b></div><div><b>CDC just announced there are no more speed limits on </b></div><div><b>highways, and I think this Ativan is finally hitting. The </b></div><div><b>NYPD farmer's market only sells bad apples, have you </b></div><div><b>heard that one? Listen it's warm today, too warm for </b></div><div><b>March. But I don't have time to think through the </b></div><div><b>implications because there's laundry to do and a </b></div><div><b>genocide to stop.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>- - <a href="https://vinaykrishnan.com/" target="_blank">Vinay Krishnan </a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-17254792728058562972024-03-07T04:11:00.000-08:002024-03-07T06:14:46.533-08:00They Did It! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpjRleIcSLAlv6gAARoWX_O_x5ulIj612MpKqDi80GdREZt9hfU3Oe9oLykCG_EELBpA0hN9tKWfBfnVGwbh9tRUJXcItB9BGnoUL6ystrkq2NwWOLXMpXgriXHoweYNKslp0yHRpjRdCOStVljJEO2KJ4b_OtWMXQRQ47maSXfSFoDFsGXxI_4Ro39A/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpjRleIcSLAlv6gAARoWX_O_x5ulIj612MpKqDi80GdREZt9hfU3Oe9oLykCG_EELBpA0hN9tKWfBfnVGwbh9tRUJXcItB9BGnoUL6ystrkq2NwWOLXMpXgriXHoweYNKslp0yHRpjRdCOStVljJEO2KJ4b_OtWMXQRQ47maSXfSFoDFsGXxI_4Ro39A/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>May, 2021: <a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2021/05/real-people-beautiful-people.html" target="_blank">Real People, Beautiful People </a></p><p>August, 2021: <a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2021/08/the-right-choices-and-right-reasons.html" target="_blank">The Right Choices and the Right Reasons</a></p><p>March, 2023: </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSWGtkl2nfXxwvEj-DSkvld6am0QgB921aXd1uZ2UV-6mR9zeEeApnXCxc5J-4NviANGkC2PCGDp2y1rt161lpyUCFmvFYZYgohUYflfgDKU5W24PQf3TvglS46SujYo6OasONQlWRge0CfmtdG500rd1VemcPTgqrfK4fD-nqBIVx630rIHdwGwxlms/s1200/IMG_1681.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="927" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSWGtkl2nfXxwvEj-DSkvld6am0QgB921aXd1uZ2UV-6mR9zeEeApnXCxc5J-4NviANGkC2PCGDp2y1rt161lpyUCFmvFYZYgohUYflfgDKU5W24PQf3TvglS46SujYo6OasONQlWRge0CfmtdG500rd1VemcPTgqrfK4fD-nqBIVx630rIHdwGwxlms/w309-h400/IMG_1681.png" width="309" /></a></div><br /><p>Today’s the day. The new East Columbia 50+ center is officially opening. Short of a piano falling on me, I will be there. </p><p>One of my favorite photos referring to this project is the one that sat outside the old entrance of the 50+ Center, inside the library. </p><p>“We did it!” the sign proclaimed.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQovxDaqqOn-BYjlrDFm4Nazd3PXTD6OE21YEmHF3EOHjmZGkCcveVLPGW9Z7F9qYEDJilCyof6-CUXZJOtgvkxNO3tCMLGUf_vQ-QOuCgTbrlUej7V4JFaBbWRuTNnbRTUAYgWLoiOJkoffkZ2w_4zlILeLgDhcPa4xry-x1zTEsfMrQ-0qyVeEcDA4/s1838/IMG_1682.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1838" data-original-width="1415" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQovxDaqqOn-BYjlrDFm4Nazd3PXTD6OE21YEmHF3EOHjmZGkCcveVLPGW9Z7F9qYEDJilCyof6-CUXZJOtgvkxNO3tCMLGUf_vQ-QOuCgTbrlUej7V4JFaBbWRuTNnbRTUAYgWLoiOJkoffkZ2w_4zlILeLgDhcPa4xry-x1zTEsfMrQ-0qyVeEcDA4/w308-h400/IMG_1682.jpeg" width="308" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I’ve seen some sneak peeks on Social Media and the new center looks well designed and appealing. I’m looking forward to learning about what kind of programs they will be offering. Part of me is still in denial about being in that 50+ category. </p><p>Thanks to all the folks who advocated for this new facility. Some of them will be at today’s opening. Seeing their joy will be the best part for me. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-44179773778592977012024-03-06T04:23:00.000-08:002024-03-09T03:11:17.465-08:00School Budget Struggles<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_Efo4PJWvfm8TeOX18sfs_H3MRAYhXZ-7ZLOnob84HdIhou5lyv_skOKu2CH_B0wPB9XxFknmlS38I4p4sr9pIBoFWDGNrbg2e6j1xA7Fi7seSz2C_BHEsvDKRjIyZVwGK5k6JRbpc_zQx-zJXg3bK-5owWcT4E6MXO2EnckNuZizrAcCMzqr9BGDH4/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_Efo4PJWvfm8TeOX18sfs_H3MRAYhXZ-7ZLOnob84HdIhou5lyv_skOKu2CH_B0wPB9XxFknmlS38I4p4sr9pIBoFWDGNrbg2e6j1xA7Fi7seSz2C_BHEsvDKRjIyZVwGK5k6JRbpc_zQx-zJXg3bK-5owWcT4E6MXO2EnckNuZizrAcCMzqr9BGDH4/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>About ten years ago, when I was writing with some intensity about the school system, several people suggested that I run for the board of education. At the time I was a part time temporary employee of HCPSS, teaching music and movement to special needs preschoolers in the RECC program. My husband was a full time employee of the school system. Running for BOE very likely would have been (or seen as) a conflict of interest. </p><p>I also knew, deep in my heart, that I’d never make it through all those long meetings. But that’s <a href="https://magazine.mtholyoke.edu/mthaq/summer_2022/MobilePagedReplica.action?pm=1&folio=80#pg40" target="_blank">another story</a> altogether.</p><p>But this is not about me. After following along on Facebook last night with the BOE work session on the budget, I went to bed with some thoughts about who should be running to serve our schools. It may be too late, since candidates have already declared, but, it’s certainly not too late for the rest of us to think about it.</p><p>Do not run for the Board of Education because you have OPINIONS. Everyone has opinions. Opinions alone will not get the job done. Yes, they will inform your work, but - - do you have a clear idea of what the work <b>is</b>?</p><p>Ten years ago I wanted to know just one thing from BOE candidates. </p><p><b>Question:</b></p><p><b>What do you think the job of a Board of Education member is? Please address the following:</b></p><p><b>1. What power does the position convey?</b></p><p><b>2. What is the best use of that power?</b></p><p><b>3. To whom is the Board of Education member responsible?</b></p><p>To put this in context, at the time we had a voting majority of board members who believed that their job was to do whatever the superintendent told them to do. Additionally, they felt no obligation to the voters who had elected them. The current makeup of the board is different. They are facing different challenges. I suspect, however, that some challenges remain constant. </p><p>Passing a budget just might be one of them. It’s a huge responsibility and it’s extremely complicated. I came away from last night wondering why they don’t start working on the next’s years budget as soon as they pass the current one. (If they do: tell me and I will edit this <b>and</b> apologize profusely.) </p><p>CORRECTION: Someone in a position to know was kind enough to share with me that Central Office staff start working on the budget in August (as many take vacations during July.) Some departments are planning further ahead - - up to two years or more. My question remains - - then why does the Board’s response to the budget give the impression of shock and surprise? </p><p>That one I can’t answer. Nevertheless, I apologize for my error. </p><p>Two challenges to this year’s budget planning are the new spending priorities mandated by the Blueprint legislation, and the end of pandemic monies which we have been able to tap to fill in some gaps. This puts the school system between a rock and a hard place. But both of those things were known well in advance. They weren’t shocking surprises.</p><p>Is there something that could be improved in the budget process itself so that it doesn’t feel like an annual exercise in panic and dread? I don’t know. I am the last person you would want analyzing a budget. And it does appear that not having enough money for education is a constant, no matter what the year. But there’s a big difference in my mind between wishing we could do more and feeling like the bottom is falling out.</p><p>If you have opinions on the school budget, write the Board. Write the County Executive. Write the County Council. But do not run for the Board of Education. All the opinions and speeches and buzzwords in the world will not keep a school system running in good working order. It is hard work.</p><p>Maybe we need more folks who specialize in mechanics and fewer in sales. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments </a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-83133927659555001092024-03-05T04:08:00.000-08:002024-03-05T04:08:22.856-08:00Turning the Tables <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCpXGLo6_qLU_t3jLroDFl-zGAq168lYXWN8CboQ_wCAAeKqoZ6W4cnXNfYD-kOEarRrZYgh3BabLk-O-CAmT4ZrcXZKTBh8GdFR_U8rngRk94Au1cIWVIcNNh12LuSKowfWLYIS1k6Tcr0qwdv_syzCOgL5UzPzGDjy9YuN0haigaFHSVQFAt9d8sKw/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCpXGLo6_qLU_t3jLroDFl-zGAq168lYXWN8CboQ_wCAAeKqoZ6W4cnXNfYD-kOEarRrZYgh3BabLk-O-CAmT4ZrcXZKTBh8GdFR_U8rngRk94Au1cIWVIcNNh12LuSKowfWLYIS1k6Tcr0qwdv_syzCOgL5UzPzGDjy9YuN0haigaFHSVQFAt9d8sKw/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p> I never watched the Sopranos. Still, this news story shared on TwitterX caught my eye.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7u6wyj4eEU7kUqlMZiM7eIVztMYgR3pfTbpGX-AtIA_15x3C7FgO_B7RjuGcSoVbDbjZM2Pw6TBOL-KbP4jEF_PPKqSC8sSFA61z41-o1mNNLabOVOLhE1DxSydLXzLiQS6M2NpX9GNnL8kTDOjHKUL-MhuTm_6Mkd4nu-46Ip0aI5jprOhiQG8YwV4/s1579/IMG_1674.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1579" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7u6wyj4eEU7kUqlMZiM7eIVztMYgR3pfTbpGX-AtIA_15x3C7FgO_B7RjuGcSoVbDbjZM2Pw6TBOL-KbP4jEF_PPKqSC8sSFA61z41-o1mNNLabOVOLhE1DxSydLXzLiQS6M2NpX9GNnL8kTDOjHKUL-MhuTm_6Mkd4nu-46Ip0aI5jprOhiQG8YwV4/w400-h245/IMG_1674.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/04/arts/sopranos-booth-ebay-sale.html" target="_blank">Tony’s Booth from Sopranos Finale Sells for $82,600</a>, Remy Tumin, New York Times </p><p><br /></p><p>Why? It’s hardly a local story. No, it’s not. But <b>this</b> is:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpMZBKjiRAqPUetaW5qPFjY3CA5-EgZ7oEvRUQpbT4Es6thM2KKayutYFpXshB_0RZjyGonnLcLyK-vJ44ifivnF1z1Ted5Hk_OchIOxuUJdBO7Uhtv2nPJ8omGgGyZLba0TQyAkIhBaDNNCx94ram9DDTf67PBjt2Ae9moKxZ3LcESbla4GS1IhlFuA/s1640/IMG_1646.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="1640" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqpMZBKjiRAqPUetaW5qPFjY3CA5-EgZ7oEvRUQpbT4Es6thM2KKayutYFpXshB_0RZjyGonnLcLyK-vJ44ifivnF1z1Ted5Hk_OchIOxuUJdBO7Uhtv2nPJ8omGgGyZLba0TQyAkIhBaDNNCx94ram9DDTf67PBjt2Ae9moKxZ3LcESbla4GS1IhlFuA/w400-h95/IMG_1646.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>One sentimental TwitterX user recently posted:</p><p><b>Hey @tacobell IDK if this is possible. But you're currently renovating the location on Minstrel Way in Columbia, MD, and I was wondering if it's possible that I could get a table me and my brother always sit at before you demolish it. It's a tall table with a star etched on it.</b></p><p>I’m familiar with the concept of having a particular place where you always sit at a favorite restaurant. “Oh, that was <b>our</b> booth,” you sigh, full of memories and feelings of times gone by. But - - Taco Bell? While I find the request kind of sweet, it also startled me. </p><p>I once (just once) entered the Minstrel Way Taco Bell. It had been raining. The floor was equal parts sticky, greasy, and slick with rain. I have never returned. </p><p>It’s clear, though, from the (wistful? bereft?) comments that keep turning up on social media that Columbia/HoCo folks love their Taco Bell and are alarmed at its recent closing. (Fear not; it’s only closed for renovations.) </p><p>And for one local fellow it’s not just the burritos he’s missing. It’s a special table: tall, with a star etched into the top. Hmm, I wonder how that star got there in the first place?</p><p>Do you have a special table in a local eatery or watering hole? I used to sit in more or less the same place at the now-departed Second Chance Saloon but I don’t think I’d want to own the table. The memories I have are of the place in its entirety - - one table just wouldn’t do it. </p><p>If you could have wangled a piece of a favorite Columbia/HoCo restaurant before it closed or was radically changed, what would it be? I’m not a huge Pizza Hut fan but that central fireplace was key to the overall ambiance. On the other hand, I have no idea where I’d put it. And I wouldn’t pay 82,000 dollars for it, either.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-55252446121060676212024-03-04T03:12:00.000-08:002024-03-04T03:43:56.142-08:00March Forth for Music<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9kSE_brTwr24w7OnPAm5d4DBateuuzedcGoyAYu1u_XJgqr1AeULSItMvUFhRA-nND20a6JNv8LSIn5WCVeF-B95N1aihN5tEYg8j6hwgvlbeZBgteCdRWYm7XDqT-Kzrnj0NIlA2Jnl_WaHll_Bugzv3O_-06buCjRLo-ADVWvEGAVutS0gT8Eq0F4/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9kSE_brTwr24w7OnPAm5d4DBateuuzedcGoyAYu1u_XJgqr1AeULSItMvUFhRA-nND20a6JNv8LSIn5WCVeF-B95N1aihN5tEYg8j6hwgvlbeZBgteCdRWYm7XDqT-Kzrnj0NIlA2Jnl_WaHll_Bugzv3O_-06buCjRLo-ADVWvEGAVutS0gT8Eq0F4/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>March is Music in Our Schools Month. And just last week the Board of Education voted against maintaining the third grade strings program in the school budget.*</p><p>Oof.</p><p>Why is it that, when budgets get tight, arts education is invariably the place where the axe is poised to make the cuts? It is a wrong-headed assumption that things like music are “nice to haves” or extras. It may be ‘penny wise’ but it is most definitely ‘pound foolish.’</p><p>The arts are not <b>separate from</b>. They are inextricably <b>linked with</b> our other learning experiences. Arts Education is the oxygen which allows the strictly cognitive paper and pencil work to "breathe" into the student and be meaningfully retained, the leavening which allows the learning process to rise, the glue that makes the learning stick.</p><p>It is the experience of all the different educational domains <b>in combination</b> that produces an end result which is greater than the sum of its parts. We don’t say that yeast should be able to stand alone, apart from all the other ingredients in a loaf of bread!</p><p>An example of the leavening I’m referring to is the joy that music brings and the community building it does, especially in our Title 1 schools. The third grade strings program offers brain development at a critical age plus community involvement, ensemble experiences and opportunities for success. It’s hands-on. It’s multi-sensory. </p><p>It’s geared specifically to their age and developmental level.</p><p>Another important point is that for many kids kids music is their saving grace in school. Students need a healthy balance in the kinds of classes that they take, and an opportunity to use a different part of the brain, which 3rd grade strings provides. In addition, they are developing all those the soft skills employers are looking for now. Working in teams towards an end goal - - music gives you that. Music builds brains and it also builds lives. </p><p>The Board has voted to take that away.</p><p>Peer-reviewed research shows that that instrumental instruction grows brain matter, increases focus, strengthens reading skills. And it’s actually fun for kids to be with friends and play for their families. In Howard County 68% of third grade students across the Title I schools - - with 2 of the schools in the top 5 for participation - - choose the opportunity and experience of learning a stringed instrument at this level. </p><p>They are learning alongside students of all kinds. Music connects kids who might ordinarily not know one another. If this program is cut the more affluent students will most likely have other musical experiences alongside other more affluent students. The precious connection will be broken.</p><p>Our Title I students will be losing an amazing publicly funded resource to increase their connection to community, increase brain development at a critical age and ENJOY success. It’s a silent equity builder across the school system. HCPSS has declared its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education but now has voted against programs that offer exactly that in elementary school where our youngest learners need it. </p><p>I’m sharing a petition, created by the Centennial Lane Elementary School Music Boosters, that is circulating right now. I hope you will sign and share it. Add your comments in support if you are so moved. The goal of the petition is as follows:</p><p><b>We ask that you fully fund Music programs in all HCPSS schools and do not discontinue the 3rd grade strings program.</b></p><p><a href="https://www.change.org/p/save-music-in-hcpss?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_37915273_en-US%3Acv_922393&recruiter=1333221130&recruited_by_id=c6ef0390-d8bf-11ee-a139-95e0a73215fe&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_initial&utm_term=petition_dashboard&share_bandit_exp=initial-37915273-en-US" target="_blank">Save Music in Our Schools</a></p><p>Ten years ago I wrote my heart out on these pages as music instruction was facing deep cuts under a previous administration. I’m truly disheartened that we are going through all this again. I’m going to leave you with some quotes I shared in May of 2014. They are still relevant.</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Mrs. Obama said, "The bottom line here is very clear: Arts education isn't something we add on after we've achieved other priorities, like raising test scores and getting kids into college. It's actually critical for achieving those priorities in the first place."</li><li>Mr. Obama said, "The arts are central to who we are as a people, and they are central to the success of our kids. This is not an afterthought," he said. "This is not something you do because it's kind of nice to do. It is necessary for these young people to succeed that we promote the arts."</li><li>Actress Alfre Woodard said, "Our kids are glimpsing the fact that they have an inherent value and that confidence just spreads across their lives."</li></ul><p></p><div><br /></div><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>*I am indebted to the advocacy of Howard County Parents for School Music, of which I formerly was a member. I have drawn from their work with permission.</p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-15666823347441383242024-03-03T05:02:00.000-08:002024-03-03T05:02:31.529-08:00Sunday Events <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAR-RNndYZq8zuM_NPovrB3mZRNhAw-uzXfvNyp6GjFSRlxyh3BLNFqV2IQzMDfGJEvrPwHsQz2OlbYbXzXkjxK8EWSYAwWIIHMtQ9Hk_nLdhpC7B98Qpxh2dhmlEEgOWKhnaReSCqYc01xh1_5EPCUT8N68KJh9iK1xreioToCAX4eqQuemJi-tS_GQ/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOAR-RNndYZq8zuM_NPovrB3mZRNhAw-uzXfvNyp6GjFSRlxyh3BLNFqV2IQzMDfGJEvrPwHsQz2OlbYbXzXkjxK8EWSYAwWIIHMtQ9Hk_nLdhpC7B98Qpxh2dhmlEEgOWKhnaReSCqYc01xh1_5EPCUT8N68KJh9iK1xreioToCAX4eqQuemJi-tS_GQ/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Two interesting events for your Sunday:</p><p>1. A pre-Ramadan Bazaar</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARaIWTK8qNmGRDCNMdq4zWOboyUijYQ8PYCPlnhUE7DH-1VYmPpLtFd_YL3n99Gq9vHzQfYOQLRxtq8tRquApG5MIPGA9bSenctEzvmJRvsqOyZYL82eya4fCE-SqXTNBseeWDVb8pI3cfQROEEcT6eV4wT5QUi0J2_mwNfbczwEzqiSSFHvUebPddt4/s1578/IMG_9454.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1578" data-original-width="1209" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhARaIWTK8qNmGRDCNMdq4zWOboyUijYQ8PYCPlnhUE7DH-1VYmPpLtFd_YL3n99Gq9vHzQfYOQLRxtq8tRquApG5MIPGA9bSenctEzvmJRvsqOyZYL82eya4fCE-SqXTNBseeWDVb8pI3cfQROEEcT6eV4wT5QUi0J2_mwNfbczwEzqiSSFHvUebPddt4/w306-h400/IMG_9454.jpeg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Www.ayeshasboutique.con" target="_blank">Ayesha’s Closet</a> presents a Pre-Ramadan Bazaar at the Double Tree Hilton in Columbia, today from 11 am to 7 pm. The event promises “Indian/Pakistani/Ladies/Men & Kid's Clothing/Saree/Jewelry/Henna Artist and much more.” </p><p>If you don’t know how to get to the Double Tree in Columbia I’m not surprised. It’s one of those “hiding in plain sight” places. From Route 175 you’ll turn onto Thunder Hill Road where the Walgreens is located. Take your first right turn at Twin Knolls. That will take you where you need to go.</p><p>I <a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2023/03/bazaars-and-belonging.html" target="_blank">wrote a little bit</a> about pre-Ramadan bazaars last year if you have the time for additional info.</p><p><br /></p><p>2. A traditional <a href="https://facebook.com/events/s/turkish-food-festival/762995059036190/" target="_blank">Turkish food festival</a> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PrOSRAQoDJkc5CHignt906K1iA4AGPVOz62Zki4THlRH7ZOab6eZ3fWU_RvZ9D7yJ8Audwm6kTM9mbdB314i6ehMe5fjq7wQSBWUYTfz4_1Yx7cx2zukXxIUkTt0nDbCHhPSJQY5ShOcoPh2NS8-MqJbfVYYP4qtyIupIJQo5lf0h5E5qaYqudd_Ark/s1421/IMG_1660.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1421" data-original-width="1161" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0PrOSRAQoDJkc5CHignt906K1iA4AGPVOz62Zki4THlRH7ZOab6eZ3fWU_RvZ9D7yJ8Audwm6kTM9mbdB314i6ehMe5fjq7wQSBWUYTfz4_1Yx7cx2zukXxIUkTt0nDbCHhPSJQY5ShOcoPh2NS8-MqJbfVYYP4qtyIupIJQo5lf0h5E5qaYqudd_Ark/w326-h400/IMG_1660.jpeg" width="326" /></a></div><br /><p><a href="https://themarti.org/" target="_blank">MARTI</a> - - the Maryland Association of Turkish American Inhabitants - - presents a traditional Turkish Food Festival today from 10 am to 4 pm at their Columbia location: 9115 Guilford Road. In case you get lost, this is the building you are looking for.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGP6cdpNa0fRxbDzCz3vcI-iiynyl2DsbBbQAsFjr79B_c1mXLlv81e8clcWhF_HQONTQQLeFdv2AGpaj976OHhPAr_gzvhuPq5K6PUa6p_szfBftIwn2W231BMcapOG0vMTxgqNw-6RYqH8O6vDAc8z6jRSybmJcOmyJZrjkOSQaRFs298pDrHntfcg/s1482/IMG_1661.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1482" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGP6cdpNa0fRxbDzCz3vcI-iiynyl2DsbBbQAsFjr79B_c1mXLlv81e8clcWhF_HQONTQQLeFdv2AGpaj976OHhPAr_gzvhuPq5K6PUa6p_szfBftIwn2W231BMcapOG0vMTxgqNw-6RYqH8O6vDAc8z6jRSybmJcOmyJZrjkOSQaRFs298pDrHntfcg/w400-h206/IMG_1661.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Take a look at the culinary delights they’ll be serving up.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL6YH_2vuBhOnI7XIu5ncI_NlRqJKBPUaO9V6gXmPxLfURdexjfYfFwnJqgsi6xiaeVeqbUrjXWHvfHxmVnq3dPiSek6py1Up7RL0arcwW5H-3yu-gUHcTtmzbReirRYu-cPVGMdKETTJuZFc5zTmMPHLN9AwIUWyttBlRASOxnoiSB_ccqTiArN5T7g/s1413/IMG_1662.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL6YH_2vuBhOnI7XIu5ncI_NlRqJKBPUaO9V6gXmPxLfURdexjfYfFwnJqgsi6xiaeVeqbUrjXWHvfHxmVnq3dPiSek6py1Up7RL0arcwW5H-3yu-gUHcTtmzbReirRYu-cPVGMdKETTJuZFc5zTmMPHLN9AwIUWyttBlRASOxnoiSB_ccqTiArN5T7g/w306-h400/IMG_1662.jpeg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><p>I did not know anything about MARTI so I went to their website. </p><p><b>The Maryland Turkish American Inhabitants is a nonprofit and non-politically affiliated organization founded in 2003. MARTI strives to serve the local community’s social, spiritual, cultural, and educational needs through various activities or programs. Many of our activities build intercultural and interfaith bridges in our community through dialogue and solidarity. As MARTI, we take steps to aid in developing peace and unity in communities throughout Maryland as one of our fundamental goals. We believe that our programs and social gatherings contribute to creating friendship and unification to whomever we serve.</b></p><p>Wow. So they have been there for over twenty years and I have been completely oblivious. I am glad to be learning something new about my own community. Bonus information - - I went through school at a time when the teaching of geography was going out of fashion. I am embarrassed to admit this, but I cannot visualize a map of Turkey in my head. So I had to look it up.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAy5yBjAPxm9dEEarfBqGZPV4gz4tcIApS3-HxTFSBfnBX7pZYniamkL8jsfrNAIRsW-f7jV0xt6nM59bxR93vEq0AKoxZGbxKHrUXZgmJO2qSjzs8uoTRZ2BVvyxt1-1TdFoH2z7S3PO-xtrKpQvtdGnsgDVSlj1g0PXgWOOG6IoXx0K5D8YubtCPQvg/s1640/IMG_1663.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="1640" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAy5yBjAPxm9dEEarfBqGZPV4gz4tcIApS3-HxTFSBfnBX7pZYniamkL8jsfrNAIRsW-f7jV0xt6nM59bxR93vEq0AKoxZGbxKHrUXZgmJO2qSjzs8uoTRZ2BVvyxt1-1TdFoH2z7S3PO-xtrKpQvtdGnsgDVSlj1g0PXgWOOG6IoXx0K5D8YubtCPQvg/w400-h341/IMG_1663.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Image from Google Maps </div><p><br /></p><p>My ignorance is compounded by the history and social studies education I received which largely focused on what is called “Western Civilization.” There are big gaps in my knowledge of the world and its inhabitants. Who knows, perhaps the new East Columbia 50+ center will offer an entertaining and engaging course in World Geography. It’s never too late, right? </p><p>Have a great Sunday!</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-52876682614681169912024-03-02T06:09:00.000-08:002024-03-02T06:09:10.334-08:00Community Blogs: The Larger Puzzle <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztSCHDx1UD2CTbSRGfUaNB7KGh3eX28S-ZK4e55TXTJHkEqnKGOYqq3_ViNXad7ADm7iNmIqMKJeDAUnEjq_So2u6b6phhlORVe9uH-zMb5iYpoR_xgprSRYrHflQUazC1lu5CcPjnVkNxfUCy-22_QsjwKZRgNKo3j4Rh_dhJy_zDhhWRinpRepB4CA/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjztSCHDx1UD2CTbSRGfUaNB7KGh3eX28S-ZK4e55TXTJHkEqnKGOYqq3_ViNXad7ADm7iNmIqMKJeDAUnEjq_So2u6b6phhlORVe9uH-zMb5iYpoR_xgprSRYrHflQUazC1lu5CcPjnVkNxfUCy-22_QsjwKZRgNKo3j4Rh_dhJy_zDhhWRinpRepB4CA/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Recently I’ve been having a growing sense of…malaise? about the scope of this blog and what it <b>doesn’t</b> do. I don’t cover all parts of Columbia/HoCo equally. I’m definitely Columbia-centric and more often than not my own village, Oakland Mills, receives the most attention. There are plenty of local stories that don’t get written about. Some, because I don’t know about them, and some because I don’t have enough background knowledge to understand why they are important.</p><p>I started writing Village Green/Town² when there were quite a few local blogs and I was carving out my own particular niche. Now the era of greatest popularity for community blogging appears to be over and my own particular niche is one of the few left standing. </p><p>It’s not enough. </p><p>If I had my way Columbia/HoCo would have as many community blogs as there are communities. I want to read about what’s happening in Kings Contrivance, learn more about the ins and outs of Elkridge, understand how all the different areas of Ellicott City are connected, and get a peek into what it’s like to live in Western HoCo. Yes, I would read all of them, if they existed.</p><p>Maybe I’m just a little bit nuts, but - - there are worse special interests to have. </p><p>I root all the time for good local journalism. I’m happy to see the Baltimore Bnner stepping up in that regard. But I’d also love to see a rich array of community blogging and I might as well make a wish on a dandelion clock. It’s not happening,</p><p>It’s far easier to go on one’s own community Facebook group and hold forth than to establish a blog, commit to it, and work to establish an audience. Who has time for that? Almost nobody. I get that. But I think we’d have more opportunities to learn about and understand one another if we weren’t separated into so many different social media silos. </p><p>We don’t know one another. We don’t often have opportunities to learn to empathize for one another. And then some big local issue rises up and we are at each other, faction against faction. What our big challenges are in Oakland Mills aren’t necessarily the same as those in Maple Lawn. Or Savage. Or Woodbine. </p><p>But how would I - - or anyone - - know that? </p><p>I’d love to learn all about them in the same way we learn to love the characters and communities in beloved book series that develop our understanding, volume after volume. They may be quirky, or not entirely likable. They may be heroes who don’t even know the immense value of their contributions. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to learn all that about Columbia/HoCo?</p><p>More than terse newspaper articles. More than Facebook rants. More than the unsubstantiated Next Door accusations and suspicions. Daily goings-on, and sincere human interest.</p><p>This blog was always meant to be a piece of a larger puzzle. By and large, that puzzle is gone. The big picture has gone missing. I don’t know what the answer is but I’m convinced that we could, somehow, know one another better.</p><p><br /></p><p>Village Green/Town² Comments</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-45647026078275353902024-03-01T04:32:00.000-08:002024-03-01T05:07:50.029-08:00F ³: The Magical Bag <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Fuisa0NQNKA2GzuL6TeJQ4uvlJ1OeYYoaa5r-qc7OwPW53GOFM358QWqpv5oguJzdgOe0gjhVb65iJpLYZlvd8arNibQWq7NQCrHVVxIx_iNeBXlhs7Rr6EGE8s0bRA9WNNJupBbI2Rl7tS4otuIxkio126oh-SXiIJOky46ydVkFHXIOg7lmucXgrg/s676/IMG_8955.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="669" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Fuisa0NQNKA2GzuL6TeJQ4uvlJ1OeYYoaa5r-qc7OwPW53GOFM358QWqpv5oguJzdgOe0gjhVb65iJpLYZlvd8arNibQWq7NQCrHVVxIx_iNeBXlhs7Rr6EGE8s0bRA9WNNJupBbI2Rl7tS4otuIxkio126oh-SXiIJOky46ydVkFHXIOg7lmucXgrg/w198-h200/IMG_8955.jpeg" width="198" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>This is not an advertisement. I have not been compensated in any way. It’s a completely unsolicited testimonial.</p><p>A few years back I heard a program on NPR about a product that really caught my imagination. </p><p>“<a href="https://www.npr.org/2021/11/19/1057386872/stasher-and-modern-twist-kat-nouri" target="_blank">Stasher and Modern Twist: Kat Nouri</a>” - - Guy Ray, How I Built This, NPR</p><p>The episode tells the story of entrepreneur Kat Nouri who creates a line of reusable, food-safe bags out of desire to cut down on single-use plastic in day to day living. The product line she created is called <a href="https://www.stasherbag.com/?view=sl-0E0AEA6A" target="_blank">Stasher</a>. You may have seen their adverts you scroll on the internet. They are made of food-grade silicone and look like this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLUct9WNKW8ctJWd7MswBOl9l_tO1S_-iEcrDlK20ZZWBvZI0MMYPcdX9xDoZXScOfvzIBS6o5LNXvVWJgiZ2VwE-8To8y3iiNXWokcjHYg7n9_E5c9X_hnht1M0bPyhcitWYwEeYZ3kO88OwrEXVo7g36Mr3mE0IiIrmQAqVCwxeGCrADZMqPH7RUWE/s500/IMG_1647.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifLUct9WNKW8ctJWd7MswBOl9l_tO1S_-iEcrDlK20ZZWBvZI0MMYPcdX9xDoZXScOfvzIBS6o5LNXvVWJgiZ2VwE-8To8y3iiNXWokcjHYg7n9_E5c9X_hnht1M0bPyhcitWYwEeYZ3kO88OwrEXVo7g36Mr3mE0IiIrmQAqVCwxeGCrADZMqPH7RUWE/w400-h400/IMG_1647.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo from Stasher Bag web site</div><p>They are easy to wash, have a great seal, can go in the freezer, the microwave, even the dishwasher. You can use them for sous vide cooking if that’s your thing. Yes, after listening to this program I was convinced they were worth a try and I put a small set on my birthday wish list. My top reason was a great desire to stop putting plastic wrap and plastic bags in daily lunch boxes. All the other uses sounded fine but it was all the lunch waste that was killing me.</p><p>My husband’s first response was. “Please don’t put those things in my lunch box. I might forget and throw them out.” Well, he is to be forgiven. He bought them for me and he knew they were not cheap. We had the long talk about single use plastic waste. He has adjusted. </p><p>I can honestly say that I am one hundred percent satisfied with my Stasher bags. They do everything they say they will do. And it turns out that they do one additional thing that was life-changing for me. You can make microwave <a href="https://www.stasherbag.com/blogs/stasher-life/stasher-makes-popcorn" target="_blank">popcorn</a> in them. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhN-otx7PiqqwfkcT9BRSrHh_w2HCcKHsXeGZAIq6n3vLnMRWTCnjiiXJUdt65BHg7GFRf6swFOCxlpG5qTGDI1fdAXY6dEgXU_VLY-BdiPRSgSthzuP90LeClhqkU83MVKTMX2PGYOH8d9psKfMqGvFyNbCAFBLeiGQWwMlUyVZJz76eM2kIv8EgHguo/s1800/IMG_1648.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhN-otx7PiqqwfkcT9BRSrHh_w2HCcKHsXeGZAIq6n3vLnMRWTCnjiiXJUdt65BHg7GFRf6swFOCxlpG5qTGDI1fdAXY6dEgXU_VLY-BdiPRSgSthzuP90LeClhqkU83MVKTMX2PGYOH8d9psKfMqGvFyNbCAFBLeiGQWwMlUyVZJz76eM2kIv8EgHguo/w400-h400/IMG_1648.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo from Stasher Bag web site</div><p><br /></p><p>No more overly salted, dripping with chemical flavoring, single use bags of microwave popcorn for me! I followed the directions and used the medium sized stand up bag as recommended.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-81VzrY6GV7BFg-D-R3KkkXteA3_67QXd6irIr90ixPQiSiYPe5XiAG3Yl-Inx-vEt4qSzaaKCNogDfi6mxOr6CIpQpZ24TlB8J2xvupNp7CTWWd7rTFuC8aKRh1Ll8x1YoKGO4bt90rU3-fiL0PkWsErgzq17Ak90BJ0KK3aJ66lK0gYU0x7NXux4o/s2800/IMG_1649.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2800" data-original-width="2800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-81VzrY6GV7BFg-D-R3KkkXteA3_67QXd6irIr90ixPQiSiYPe5XiAG3Yl-Inx-vEt4qSzaaKCNogDfi6mxOr6CIpQpZ24TlB8J2xvupNp7CTWWd7rTFuC8aKRh1Ll8x1YoKGO4bt90rU3-fiL0PkWsErgzq17Ak90BJ0KK3aJ66lK0gYU0x7NXux4o/w400-h400/IMG_1649.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Photo from Stasher Bag web site</p><p>You would be amazed how much popcorn I have gone through since then. Until one day I noticed a tiny tear in the side of my well used Stasher bag. And I thought, “oh, dear!” But I kept on using it. Eventually the tiny tear grew into a sizable rip and I was forced to admit I had <b>a problem. </b>A replacement would cost me 23.99. Ugh.</p><p>It took me a while to realize that this wasn’t the typical experience for this product nor had I done anything wrong. It was a flaw in this particular bag and perhaps the company would remedy this situation. I didn’t pin a lot of hope on this. But a polite and earnest business letter can often do a lot of good. </p><p>So, at 2:27 pm on February 16th I sent an email to the Stasher bag people.</p><p>And at 2:34 pm I had a response from Anne, Customer Experience Hero, containing an apology and easy instructions on how to get a free replacement. It arrived less than a week later. (In a plain brown recyclable paper wrapper.) They also gave me some <a href="https://www.stasherbag.com/pages/repurpose-program" target="_blank">ideas</a> on what to do with the damaged one so it wouldn’t go in a landfill. </p><p>Friends, this is nothing short of a miracle. This kind of customer service is truly exceptional. Can you imagine what the world would be like if this kind of interaction were a regular occurrence? I should add that the creator, Kat Nouri, eventually sold the company to<a href="https://www.scjohnson.com/en/press-releases/2019/december/sc-johnson-acquires-stasher-brand" target="_blank"> S.C. Johnson</a>, so some credit is due there for backing a creative product with excellent consumer support. </p><p>I’m not sure that I have ever written about a commercial product on the blog. And I probably wouldn’t have if it hadn’t been for Anne, Customer Service Hero. Some experiences are worth celebrating.</p><p>Have you had a customer service experience worth sharing lately?</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p><p><br /></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-90601368892174823942024-02-29T04:29:00.000-08:002024-02-29T04:39:59.814-08:00Score! For Those Meddling Kids<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD-edRT24rgY48RJSDDsaQ5Cyo2yeh8lyVVEiPQlsXNKe_j2wlQAVymX5r5x3sqdClDrkUg0iR6B2j_idWFdPH-Cl-0DTWiSAeM-DI03MEZehJHJU1GM3m0m_tD2lS8OQMh1UhiQX0iJ9_XgTp7_9FJIh52byqfckhHHE66W2Mgtbn68vXPjOjtStdUQ/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPD-edRT24rgY48RJSDDsaQ5Cyo2yeh8lyVVEiPQlsXNKe_j2wlQAVymX5r5x3sqdClDrkUg0iR6B2j_idWFdPH-Cl-0DTWiSAeM-DI03MEZehJHJU1GM3m0m_tD2lS8OQMh1UhiQX0iJ9_XgTp7_9FJIh52byqfckhHHE66W2Mgtbn68vXPjOjtStdUQ/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Good news for student representation in the Howard County Public Schools! </p><p><a href="https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/howard-county/court-of-appeals-dismisses-lawsuit-against-howard-school-board-Y6XUR7NRLVH4DFEKRC2BSJ37DI/?fbclid=IwAR298C17M8m8UM1Dok5JDsx-I1_z81zU1JjNacrQU3D1DA9j91FeCYJMFfE" target="_blank">Appeals court upholds Howard County’s method of selecting student school board membe</a>r, Jess Nocera, Baltimore Banner</p><p>Before I get into the meat of this, let me first say that the photographer for the Banner, Ulysses Muñoz, has taken one of the most appealing photos of Central Office that I have ever seen. It makes the building look genuinely appealing. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFogRbo5C1F7h0p7b_iWri5FTu7ZUulwNEM67sQEp5-icTG46fzHINjr6NPv5AWHM0MIk47_kT5M_6FCL05nM6ov0HHVp9Z2L34CcuZyam2HS1P-dNJMgGECqFP_p7_g3NKjnlNGbCstG91L0djY05Wp6iW6bm_G_xV0BNCxJoAWKqnwvrsfKn9YJHuMs/s1024/IMG_1644.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFogRbo5C1F7h0p7b_iWri5FTu7ZUulwNEM67sQEp5-icTG46fzHINjr6NPv5AWHM0MIk47_kT5M_6FCL05nM6ov0HHVp9Z2L34CcuZyam2HS1P-dNJMgGECqFP_p7_g3NKjnlNGbCstG91L0djY05Wp6iW6bm_G_xV0BNCxJoAWKqnwvrsfKn9YJHuMs/w400-h266/IMG_1644.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Exterior of Howard County Department of Education, 2/27/2024. (Ulysses Muñoz/The Baltimore Banner)</p><p style="text-align: left;">Now, let’s get serious.</p><p style="text-align: left;">From the article:</p><p><b>Howard County students will still have a say in the pupil who represents the district’s entire student body on the board of education, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled Wednesday.</b></p><p><b>The court turned away a challenge to allowing public school students, but not those who attend private schools, to vote on their representative on the school board, saying the process does not violate the Constitution’s equal protection clause, nor the First Amendment’s guarantee of the free exercise of religion.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">The legal question decided by the appeals court goes back to a dispute during the days of the pandemic lockdown. Certain angry parents decided that what was wrong with a vote to continue with distance learning was that one student, Zach Koung, had a say in the outcome. Since the vote did not go the way these folks had wanted, they focused their ire on the student member of the board, or SMOB, as they are known colloquially. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here is some background information - - although clearly it is commentary - - from two pieces I wrote in 2022 and 2020, respectively.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2022/08/once-upon-time-in-howard-county.html" target="_blank">Once Upon a Time in Howard County</a>, Village Green/Town², 8/25/2022</p><p><a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2020/12/the-big-lie-and-extremely-tiny-lawsuit.html" target="_blank">The Big Lie and the Extremely Tiny Lawsui</a>t, Village Green/Town², December 17, 2020</p><p><b>Once upon a time in Howard County a Student Member of the Board named Zach Koung was ridiculed and vilified by members of the public.</b></p><p><b>They don’t like what he does, they don’t like what he says, they don’t like how he says it. They don’t like his facial expressions and his body language. And let’s look at the kinds of things they object to:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Speaking to racial equity issues</b></li><li><b>Supporting the removal of SRO’s from schools </b></li><li><b>Anything that could be characterized as “Progressive”</b></li></ul><p></p><p><b>And then they didn’t like how he voted, either. Hence, the lawsuit. If we don’t like the result of this vote, maybe SMOBs shouldn’t have a vote. It seemed a simple, effective solution.</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I want to stress that all of these lawsuits stem from <b>one</b> vote that made some people angry, and <b>one</b> particular SMOB that rubbed them the wrong way. This did not arise as the result of thoughtful community members who had given time and study to the Howard County SMOB process in order to see both the big picture and the inner workings. </p><p style="text-align: left;">They were mad. They didn’t get their way. And they would’ve gotten their way if it weren’t for that meddling kid.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Of course I am not a lawyer, but, it seems to me that this is not solid ground on which to base a lawsuit.</p><p style="text-align: left;">If you have followed this issue you will note that those bringing the lawsuits have come up with any number of reasons why a student should not be elected by fellow students to serve on the school board, and why that student, so elected, should not have a vote. It is almost a case of throwing everything at the wall to see what would stick. (I mean, really: freedom of religion?)</p><p style="text-align: left;">None of the legal talking points show any understanding of the core reasoning for having a student member of the board in the first place.</p><p style="text-align: left;">1. Students have first-hand knowledge of the school system in a way that no one else has.</p><p style="text-align: left;">2. The SMOB process is not just an exercise in Student Voice, but also a hands-on learning experience in participating in the Democratic process on which our entire nation is based. </p><p style="text-align: left;">A voting student member of the board benefits the board by representing perspectives that might otherwise be unheard. The election process benefits students across the school system by giving them a voice in choosing a representative whose votes on the board will have tangible, real-world consequences. </p><p style="text-align: left;">These are both good things, and worthy, in my opinion, of community support. The lawsuits in opposition point out another valuable lesson in democracy: it’s important to keep an eye on the people who want to take away your vote. I hope that our HCPSS students are learning how important their votes are, both now and in the future. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments </a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-91592734176698434702024-02-28T05:27:00.000-08:002024-02-28T05:27:44.872-08:00Columbia: The Happy Place <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHrCrzhH4NPV8rzLlp9klWWP1zmNr8eMPqZ3NMZWiDYkKvJfqVjvRlt0OfJIUx_HyIUj_qFqLv2Ynyp8ao35uhFXflqXAmj4EArwBzLUdzZNqnvpzP0t3wztqxIVU0Hq3gprukA98sN-oMexprmfOs1pyNAJTg4GrFUNeRRo5uot8BpDnm4BpAUD9hxg/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHrCrzhH4NPV8rzLlp9klWWP1zmNr8eMPqZ3NMZWiDYkKvJfqVjvRlt0OfJIUx_HyIUj_qFqLv2Ynyp8ao35uhFXflqXAmj4EArwBzLUdzZNqnvpzP0t3wztqxIVU0Hq3gprukA98sN-oMexprmfOs1pyNAJTg4GrFUNeRRo5uot8BpDnm4BpAUD9hxg/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>Here it comes. Another one of those Village Green/Town² weird juxtapositions. Perhaps that’s the whole point of the blog anyway: where Columbia and Howard County intersect. Isn’t that a weird juxtaposition to begin with?</p><p>On the one hand: WalletHub has yet again named Columbia as one of the happiest cities in America. It comes in at number nine. If you’re a glass half full kind of person, you’ll see this as being in the top ten, hurray! If you’re a glass half empty type you’ll certainly note that we have scored higher in previous years. It’s up to you. Take your pick. </p><p>I read this<a href="https://92q.com/5353823/columbia-maryland-ranks-9-as-happiest-cities-of-2024/" target="_blank"> piece </a>from 92 Q radio and honestly my favorite part were the little reaction emojis.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FbOJjNZWhEQGvhZAZGhk22dFqxF2fn_zzrqe10jqsLHLUwQQGi56YtLC_PLG2YKP5Mv7mo5luxZuoyOwWI4NfzIDckwDV1O01cLJ8ZXsa_98mOxpXW_HbJU71bSHReOOFqpqWdZslDBiQzb5eDekMnv9zq7C8jd1fd0pdxko4DKdLCs8tdbcRlSmW00/s1707/IMG_1638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="1640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-FbOJjNZWhEQGvhZAZGhk22dFqxF2fn_zzrqe10jqsLHLUwQQGi56YtLC_PLG2YKP5Mv7mo5luxZuoyOwWI4NfzIDckwDV1O01cLJ8ZXsa_98mOxpXW_HbJU71bSHReOOFqpqWdZslDBiQzb5eDekMnv9zq7C8jd1fd0pdxko4DKdLCs8tdbcRlSmW00/w384-h400/IMG_1638.jpeg" width="384" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Let’s get a close up of that. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLuFDUiA-Nju1R2GjemKMJfFT0_xv6XDq-8aCy_3ydQD4tF8zsEZUDg8L02SQOkcyjzXg0PAJ7Z1QuThATV2JYJGbAT1NgCIYVZXGZ_Hkg7cL0fGObdKkd6ZGbUN_nN8e4oCXpb9VruNN1LlVbsIf52h0fFbgIdHfBS-vQTivyhteof8vduYYs7XQuGw/s1582/IMG_1638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="1582" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLuFDUiA-Nju1R2GjemKMJfFT0_xv6XDq-8aCy_3ydQD4tF8zsEZUDg8L02SQOkcyjzXg0PAJ7Z1QuThATV2JYJGbAT1NgCIYVZXGZ_Hkg7cL0fGObdKkd6ZGbUN_nN8e4oCXpb9VruNN1LlVbsIf52h0fFbgIdHfBS-vQTivyhteof8vduYYs7XQuGw/w640-h136/IMG_1638.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Maybe WalletHub should’ve just sent one of these to everyone in Columbia, eh? </p><p>To be fair, they do <a href="https://wallethub.com/edu/happiest-places-to-live/32619" target="_blank">describe</a> their methodology for assessing communities for happiness but they don’t <b>ever</b> explain how Columbia gets assessed in the category of Large Cities. We’re not even incorporated, for heaven’s sake. </p><p>As I pondered how overall happiness is kind of a mixed bag, this <a href="https://elizabethtbrunetti.com/blog/note-to-self-maybe-it-doesnt-have-to-be-so-hard" target="_blank">piece</a> by local writer Elizabeth Brunetti caught my eye:</p><p><a href="https://elizabethtbrunetti.com/blog/note-to-self-maybe-it-doesnt-have-to-be-so-hard" target="_blank">Note to Self : Maybe it Doesn’t Have to Be So Hard</a>, Elizabeth Brunetti</p><p><b>Would you ever tell a diabetic that if they just get up at 5AM every day and journal for 20 minutes, their pancreas is sure to start producing insulin?</b></p><p><b>Would you ever tell someone with a broken leg that all they need is a better bedtime routine and 15 minutes of meditation a day for their leg to heal?</b></p><p><b>I think you know where I’m going with this.</b></p><p>Brunetti takes a clear-eyed and candid look at mental health challenges and how we often make it harder when we could be taking better care of ourselves. There’s clearly a stigma in our culture surrounding mental health issues and far too many folks are willing to pass judgement on using medication as a part of treatment. The end result can be that we internalize that judgement and deny ourselves useful options for getting better. </p><p>Happiness <b>is </b>a mixed bag. Nobody expects to be happy every day but at the very least we’d like to live in a realm where it might be possible. Perhaps for some that’s a zip code. For others it’s the support they need to stay afloat and have the capacity to experience joy.</p><p>So, how are you feeling today?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwENe5l0Y_Jx8gUyZxfmt_FUWzOMtlapgBqgtWFXFBEXa7Hv7rTFLYhoYu6Yv5iIjcbGvgIIWPF2KOQ0UWWomnmqWiMdWiCN08S3GN9qVQT-4EBJSYMgFGC8KKXLwpDnzpMYKMXQcUXbBGZ3QQxdiFAF5SQOC8s5UNQ4jSlhZNhL7pMpnpfse_Ry0IHy8/s1582/IMG_1638.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="1582" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwENe5l0Y_Jx8gUyZxfmt_FUWzOMtlapgBqgtWFXFBEXa7Hv7rTFLYhoYu6Yv5iIjcbGvgIIWPF2KOQ0UWWomnmqWiMdWiCN08S3GN9qVQT-4EBJSYMgFGC8KKXLwpDnzpMYKMXQcUXbBGZ3QQxdiFAF5SQOC8s5UNQ4jSlhZNhL7pMpnpfse_Ry0IHy8/w640-h136/IMG_1638.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Village Green/Town² Comments</p></div>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-64284001749251421222024-02-27T04:22:00.000-08:002024-02-27T04:22:03.474-08:00What’s the Buzz? <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2xw1Lj6hrP35vfdJgFW5gCA1iFL2Z9cYa3oKewRI5l9CbjZsRN-_8XC56skyoZCCAeUbEcAg_ybp3HLatX_LXzhDAzDFqgppfiaDAny8UomZ9vONpeDzz89hoBIUTWOIFZb9ixbTtHwfe_vBtgw1swszskynWMR_jqI8KUo_GlkLma92mH8p_JOWB5w/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2xw1Lj6hrP35vfdJgFW5gCA1iFL2Z9cYa3oKewRI5l9CbjZsRN-_8XC56skyoZCCAeUbEcAg_ybp3HLatX_LXzhDAzDFqgppfiaDAny8UomZ9vONpeDzz89hoBIUTWOIFZb9ixbTtHwfe_vBtgw1swszskynWMR_jqI8KUo_GlkLma92mH8p_JOWB5w/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I’d like to thank all the folks who read yesterday’s blog and especially those who turned out to protest the M4L meeting at the library last night. The Baltimore Banner has a write up <a href="https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/moms-for-liberty-howard-county-book-removal-TSJHK5JPYVBBPP3P7IZRFL4SSQ/" target="_blank">here</a>. </p><p>Also in the Banner, an article about the ongoing search for a new CA President in which they correctly identify the exterior of the CA headquarters. Alert the media! (Wait, never mind.) Here’s the article:</p><p><a href="https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/howard-county/columbia-association-new-leader-3E4PKMXFBFBINDHE24YVZK3YT4/" target="_blank">After tumult, Columbia Association ‘on track’ to hire new CEO, </a>Jess Nocera, Baltimore Banner</p><div>Here’s the photo:</div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVj6O_ci6Vl-eRD84y_Tl6IrgXAqwgAlAREp78KtWX-IceTlBP8isUT2UBGjU8TfqaLkLgNqQkFk6k2aUrVssszWnMBPfRu2bYFUvhXBQIoMDv_Izalm4BLDkF6tq0MU9CJzjw_U_aoKoOaPCNhFSzdr3PpKTksHTFD6-kErkpDNzmS5qe1kQQdF-S0BM/s1640/IMG_1606.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1640" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVj6O_ci6Vl-eRD84y_Tl6IrgXAqwgAlAREp78KtWX-IceTlBP8isUT2UBGjU8TfqaLkLgNqQkFk6k2aUrVssszWnMBPfRu2bYFUvhXBQIoMDv_Izalm4BLDkF6tq0MU9CJzjw_U_aoKoOaPCNhFSzdr3PpKTksHTFD6-kErkpDNzmS5qe1kQQdF-S0BM/w400-h236/IMG_1606.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The Columbia Association moved to this building in 2015. The Baltimore Sun continues to <a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2023/03/time-travel-with-baltimore-sun.html" target="_blank">post photos </a>of the old location. Yikes.</p><p>That reminds me. I haven’t written my annual exhortation to run for your Villge Board or as your Village Rep for the CA Board. Something about last years’s CA Board “tumult” (did they mean turmoil?) has taken away much of my enthusiasm for Columbia citizen engagement. This doesn’t mean that <b>you</b> shouldn’t care. I am just admitting temporary exhaustion on this topic. </p><p>I was happy to learn how Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center benefited from this year’s <a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2023/12/a-vending-machine-with-heart.html" target="_blank">Giving Machine </a>at the Mall. From their Facebook page:</p><p><b>During the holiday season, Grassroots was fortunate to have been selected as one of the nonprofits that was featured in the Giving Machine MidAtlantic. Visitors were able to select items to donate to us from this unique vending machine, similar to how they would buy a candy bar. Recently, we were happy to find out that over $6,500 worth of items were donated to Grassroots. This includes:</b></p><p><b>14 donations of household cleaners</b></p><p><b>79 donations of personal hygiene items</b></p><p><b>34 donations of underwear</b></p><p><b>68 donations of groceries</b></p><p><b>77 donations of household medications</b></p><p><b>We are so thankful to the Giving Machine team and the generous residents of Howard County and beyond for supporting Grassroots and those who come to us for support!</b></p><p>Lastly, a piece of Howard Community College news in the form of a video on Instagram caught my eye yesterday.</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C30eoLkOUGH/?igsh=ZDYxMW5mNWswYmtr" target="_blank">Cooking host contest</a></p><p>The gentleman making the pitch is Professor Tim Banks. If his name rings a bell that’s probably because I’ve <a href="http://villagegreentownsquared.blogspot.com/2020/12/mr-banks-returns.html" target="_blank">written</a> about him before. Mr. Banks is an Assistant Professor in the Hospitality/Culinary department and the Chair of the Center for Hospitality and Culinary Studies at HCC. What’s the pitch? Watch the video to find out, but here’s the gist of it:</p><p><b>Gordon Ramsay or Carla Hall: are you the next celebrity chef? Calling all student foodies with dynamic personalities to be part of #HowardCC's new cooking web series for #DragonCountry!</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Record a three-minute cooking demonstration video.</b></li><li><b>Send the video link to DragonDigitalMedia@HowardCC.edu by Friday, March 1.</b></li><li><b>The winning entry will have an opportunity to host our series.</b></li></ul><p></p><p>Now that everyone seems to think they’re a gourmet chef on TikTok, the idea of a college culinary department jumping on the bandwagon feels inspired to me. Plus, you know they won’t recommend anything hazardous or sketchy. I look forward to checking out their end product. </p><p>Before I leave you, I had a thought last night in light of the school budget crisis. Just for fun, one year they should let the teachers draw up the school system budget. They seem to have tried everything else. What a novel idea - - letting the people closest to the students set the priorities. In the meantime, if you’d like to see the Board of Education adjust their budget request to the County in order to fully fund school programs, you should take a look at <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-the-boe-to-ask-for-more?source=facebook&&fbclid=IwAR0FAQKRXSy_qIg5bG08RtnZwHWb0xXn7qfarf-hWP3H84D_aYbD-pb6Q38_aem_AQ5oBfkJSu_2A-8PJ1_yOlglwGnNxGOJsvfjQO-9r6YBTTfQvvlmM5a3wt6maZsYeS4" target="_blank">this</a>. Sending some letters wouldn’t hurt, either.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-55509437499019184552024-02-26T04:21:00.000-08:002024-02-26T06:23:15.948-08:00An Open Book Test <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12jRhy0hmaFx8RDtCriEt6-XsSlDndxRxgdyp1VZpZ0rxHbuHiR-6f42K6BbOXKQvAMHOctf740F5S_h_KK9if6JdIvGWPBVFEA8TNATX1ok6dx15fnzSDXJ-vOYJPTW32L3f82UHdl3HdyDB_eeZpiKXpcDEKJHD1N-4HXaNIKUS2Bxo5iGrrReut80/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12jRhy0hmaFx8RDtCriEt6-XsSlDndxRxgdyp1VZpZ0rxHbuHiR-6f42K6BbOXKQvAMHOctf740F5S_h_KK9if6JdIvGWPBVFEA8TNATX1ok6dx15fnzSDXJ-vOYJPTW32L3f82UHdl3HdyDB_eeZpiKXpcDEKJHD1N-4HXaNIKUS2Bxo5iGrrReut80/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Libraries are for everyone. Most of the time when I say those words they give me a very good feeling. Today? Not so much. </p><p>Tonight at 6:30 pm there will be a Moms For Liberty meeting at the Central Branch Library. Their guest speaker is a self-proclaimed expert in book banning based on their success in Carroll County. Additionally, this meeting serves as a kick-off event to challenge books in HCPSS libraries.</p><p>Libraries are for everyone. That means that, if they offer spaces for local community groups to meet, they must be committed to be even-handed about it. The startling juxtaposition of a library having any association whatsoever with censorship and book banning is pretty painful to me. It just feels wrong. </p><p>But, libraries do more than talk the talk. I guess this is walking the walk. I have to hope that there are <b>some</b> limits on the library’s open door policy. If there were a diy make your own gun club for the purpose of, say, shooting people whose political views are different than one’s own, I would hope that they couldn’t meet at the library. </p><p>I feel very strongly that M4L is causing harm wherever they crop up. They are attempting to negate the work of skilled and educated library professionals. They are also casting aspersions on their intent. Imagine what that means to school librarians. They are being told that their experience and years of training are worth nothing and that they are doing the work they do to harm young people.</p><p>Of course both of these things are false. They are also demoralizing.</p><p>When I wrote about the death of Nex Benedict on Friday and asked, “How did we get here?” I received a blunt reply from a reader. Here is a part of it:</p><p><b>You ask, "How on earth did we get here?"</b></p><p><b>The answer is that good people are just standing by and letting it happen, letting oppressive laws be passed, letting an atmosphere persist where telling lies about trans people is normalized to the point that most people believe them.</b></p><p>M4L goes after library materials that support LGBTQ+ students and families but they also have been known to go after materials that tell the truth about American History. In places where they have had success perhaps too many good people have stood by and just let it happen. </p><p>Don’t let it happen here. </p><p>Libraries are for everyone. They host meeting space for everyone. That means that peaceful protest is equally welcome. What kind of message would plainly tell M4L that their mission to suppress knowledge and learning is not welcome here?</p><p>Do you support students being able to find the materials they need in their school libraries? I do.</p><p>Libraries are for everyone.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-89184865028258523512024-02-25T04:54:00.000-08:002024-02-25T05:48:31.420-08:00Until the Lion Tells the Story<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyZqn0nzMUat2JQtQgy3kv71J5rtZxxARoWaWW6vR6ZfsEPcLtRaTU18SpiZP_-O-D3VJiEQNnXZxywcIb9bJD5HZ2EAGB3VyrG3CPKKWrQlYwqgs7JDRWguY7-l19gNSlvDJb79WKzpfyyCYGLPPyE1kCviF48DaYN-esvHe2yHYw_Tl9FEKLc0wM18/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyZqn0nzMUat2JQtQgy3kv71J5rtZxxARoWaWW6vR6ZfsEPcLtRaTU18SpiZP_-O-D3VJiEQNnXZxywcIb9bJD5HZ2EAGB3VyrG3CPKKWrQlYwqgs7JDRWguY7-l19gNSlvDJb79WKzpfyyCYGLPPyE1kCviF48DaYN-esvHe2yHYw_Tl9FEKLc0wM18/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>The other evening I found myself drawn in to a documentary film on public television entitled <a href="https://findingfellowship.film/">“Finding Fellowship.”</a> It’s the story of a community in Maryland that doesn’t exist anymore, called Quince Orchard. From the film’s website:</p><p><b>FINDING FELLOWSHIP, BUILDING COMMUNITY</b></p><p><b>How can a community that evolved for more than 100 years only carry on in the memories of a few surviving members? This story is personal to us because we are descendants of this place – our family has lived here since the Civil War. But it’s relevant to you too, wherever you live. There are countless Quince Orchards all across the country. Communities that no longer exist on the map, not because of economic stagnation, but because of progress.</b></p><p>As I watched the film I was reminded of the efforts of our own <a href="https://www.wbaltv.com/article/thomas-isaac-log-cabin-new-book-ellicott-city-history/46661243" target="_blank">local historians</a> of Ellicott City Black History. There’s something deeply poignant about the desire to unearth and protect the stories of people who have been traditionally forgotten or even mischaracterised by the (largely white) writers of history books. One only has to watch the reactions on the Finding Your Roots television series to see how profound an effect each revelation of their past has on Black participants.</p><p>They are the reactions of people whose history has been supressed.</p><p>Often there’s a sense that Black History month dwells largely on bigger-than-life heroes. Every year the same culturally approved scholars, inventors, small business owners, and inspirational politicians are trotted out in BHM curriculum materials. It is well meaning, I guess. But there’s a sort of breathless amazement about it - - Gosh, did you know Black people could be inventors? Be brave? Be really, really smart? It almost seems to be an exercise in silently asserting that most Black folks aren’t anything like that, so let’s all be surprised. </p><p>Every dang year.</p><p>The older I get, the more I see Black History Month as a reminder that we haven’t and still don’t value Black lives enough that a Black History Month isn’t necessary. Think of how long the former students of the Harriet Tubman School had to fight to preserve their school and the stories it contains about segregation and systemic racism here in Howard County. Think of how hard Marlena Jareaux/Howard County Lynching Truth and Reconciliation have had to push <b>uphill</b> to be heard and gain even a small modicum of acceptance for their historical work.</p><p>“Until the lion learns how to write, every story will glorify the hunter.” - - Chinua Achebe, Things Fall Apart, in 1958. </p><p>The real story of Black History Month to me is the longstanding erasure of American human beings simply because they were Black. That is why the film Finding Fellowship truly moved me. It is history told by people who respect their subjects and care about getting it right. It’s not about superheroes or major court cases or military victories. It’s about a small, once segregated Maryland town and three churches.</p><p>If you get a chance to see Finding Fellowship, I hope you will take the time. It’s not splashy. It draws you in gently, like stories told on a front porch or a quiet sermon that leads you to insights you hadn’t yet been able to see. </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-53042323951662827002024-02-24T05:38:00.000-08:002024-02-24T05:50:17.247-08:00The Hubub at the Hive <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXoKMJSzYF2oN5CbfbN8KZNSYrLyWrPJLHgTpWi9XPprXz1anAhsWshjiZDRBe9ayT5DrQGtw1Hk4Pvfiia3cA2e4ClE78r9zNh8vY1q1Hrj_X6A2QMMsKD2GQ4u4HEHMj3tWUHV6oAck4HY5B53C9LIj8ccso48K09dLiVCcMk9j6HwE_2Q6LS2k_cg/s200/IMG_9016.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXoKMJSzYF2oN5CbfbN8KZNSYrLyWrPJLHgTpWi9XPprXz1anAhsWshjiZDRBe9ayT5DrQGtw1Hk4Pvfiia3cA2e4ClE78r9zNh8vY1q1Hrj_X6A2QMMsKD2GQ4u4HEHMj3tWUHV6oAck4HY5B53C9LIj8ccso48K09dLiVCcMk9j6HwE_2Q6LS2k_cg/s1600/IMG_9016.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>My husband has become a devoted Os fan, during the years he has lived in the States, but his heart belongs to the sports of his youth - - cricket, “the footy”, and darts. What’s “the footy”, you ask? Well, he’d call it football. You’d probably call it soccer. I have gotten used to his devotion and honestly I’d much rather have Manchester United playing on my television than American football.</p><p>I was unaware until very recently that my husband wasn’t the only local fan of Premier League Football. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJqLgvBfFVGI343bMcwChCHFFoghuxiarhveAQha8j19fRZdYTXb6gy4izAiRkm8SaIG2sRQeOb8gX5dGnw8lbHggcaHqecvVHuToAdHNGyPrc601WSYxpX3FAEtYGQml0gw3VY7i-92q7n_EVBFaFMvgFn5A-NJQl8dzHR5YzH2Jni7Gd9g7Nxqb18s/s1640/IMG_1589.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1640" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJqLgvBfFVGI343bMcwChCHFFoghuxiarhveAQha8j19fRZdYTXb6gy4izAiRkm8SaIG2sRQeOb8gX5dGnw8lbHggcaHqecvVHuToAdHNGyPrc601WSYxpX3FAEtYGQml0gw3VY7i-92q7n_EVBFaFMvgFn5A-NJQl8dzHR5YzH2Jni7Gd9g7Nxqb18s/w400-h149/IMG_1589.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The above is a post on TwitterX from the Baltimore Toffees, a club who support the Everton football club. They’ve found a new home to watch those exciting contests from overseas, and it’s in Ellicott City. The time difference means that some of those games can start as early as 7:30 am. Here’s the place, <a href="https://www.hocobrewhive.com/" target="_blank">HoCoBrewHive</a>:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTam95WgANuRWtqAktTC-1VYFecdL0q6AibKn6yM5hgU60v1C7z6gu5-yInTNWc0SbW9xlmj3uzputqpyZui3-ch_q45TGuNwhFcPlx106z_kwr5fBaISE8CDr3ntNXpeJnV-vhKYe_G6WWg-g_8lwPjZu2JKwg9Os77l1fOyzjeiEJ_Bc3GnS1_rytrY/s2048/IMG_1620.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1396" data-original-width="2048" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTam95WgANuRWtqAktTC-1VYFecdL0q6AibKn6yM5hgU60v1C7z6gu5-yInTNWc0SbW9xlmj3uzputqpyZui3-ch_q45TGuNwhFcPlx106z_kwr5fBaISE8CDr3ntNXpeJnV-vhKYe_G6WWg-g_8lwPjZu2JKwg9Os77l1fOyzjeiEJ_Bc3GnS1_rytrY/s320/IMG_1620.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The loyal Everton supporters will be gathering there this morning for a watch party. (I wonder if they’ll be serving a true <a href="https://www.seriouseats.com/guide-to-a-fry-up-full-british-breakfast-what-is-in-ingredients" target="_blank">fry-up </a>.) I’m sorry, is that a bird staring at me in this image? Is the Everton team the Everton Eagles? </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3NXX991C4qC5U8eKjQhXDWc3M7lepW-3bv2oHpf45_ldbzZvHfVLsFeG_b4uDbJCsWHnnaR-3mJe3I_vAv8ymnAqnjPB7M4dFvIvXaMQFBl0BngTE6D8THXrOXUbFdmdSIwN5ek6kVx2kikJ1-fftzMDOndsPYaohqM2fDE93ZjZwMZW_7D1xn3L3wQ/s772/IMG_1619.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="772" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3NXX991C4qC5U8eKjQhXDWc3M7lepW-3bv2oHpf45_ldbzZvHfVLsFeG_b4uDbJCsWHnnaR-3mJe3I_vAv8ymnAqnjPB7M4dFvIvXaMQFBl0BngTE6D8THXrOXUbFdmdSIwN5ek6kVx2kikJ1-fftzMDOndsPYaohqM2fDE93ZjZwMZW_7D1xn3L3wQ/w400-h209/IMG_1619.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>It just so happens that the owner of HoCo Brew Hive is also an Everton fan, or a “toffee*”, as they call themselves. I’m not sure if that would be Joshua Butts or Scott Sciandra as both names are attached to this property. (In case you are unfamiliar, Brew Hive is located in what used to be TBonz Bar and Grill. They <a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/2019/06/17/hoco-brew-hive-buzzes-into-former-t-bonz-site-in-ellicott-city-this-july/" target="_blank">opened</a> in 2019, I think.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You won’t find my husband there, however. As a devoted fan of Manchester United, or ManU as the game listings call it, he’ll be following their games from home. I wonder if there’s a Maryland ManU club?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you’re interested in watching Premier League games in the US, this <a href="https://mashable.com/article/how-to-watch-premier-league-in-us" target="_blank">article</a> will get you started. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you have a weekend sport you like to follow?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* <b>Everton's nickname is the Toffees, or sometimes the Toffeemen. This comes from one of two toffee shops that were located in Everton village at the time the club was founded. Both Ye Anciente Everton Toffee House and Old Mother Nobletts Toffee Shop claim to have started off the nickname</b>. - - Wikipedia<b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4431544185421633785.post-89616033405842679032024-02-23T04:27:00.000-08:002024-02-23T04:27:24.004-08:00F ³: State Governments and School Boards<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoYPmeB_hLTzbCEm4dkJC-uGoYgPr83xPoU4470qTgrWC7sScfj6WtO_hyC-V8CjyQUbGC-3wc5N0ZpZFx7R-mmzdwDlpv1QakRKcvRo7FN1v5tXy-qDut4lbzGXtQdCVwVJ80r1WUhz-Y37Gfg5e229lF1POOL7lqtCGQ9fDlyQCjTAP_fdm8L_Zi1c/s676/IMG_8955.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="669" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoYPmeB_hLTzbCEm4dkJC-uGoYgPr83xPoU4470qTgrWC7sScfj6WtO_hyC-V8CjyQUbGC-3wc5N0ZpZFx7R-mmzdwDlpv1QakRKcvRo7FN1v5tXy-qDut4lbzGXtQdCVwVJ80r1WUhz-Y37Gfg5e229lF1POOL7lqtCGQ9fDlyQCjTAP_fdm8L_Zi1c/w198-h200/IMG_8955.jpeg" width="198" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p>You may have seen the Sunday Doonesbury strip that was withheld from all Gamnett newspapers last week. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHwyduOKjFjykHjN4l7dSEUzvTtd5Dw1h4gyoLbU4kl9wYr4YYlaH5Awb67zYkxGVldG5Qp8SB1yx827eJGgydOXD2ltc9N_uXv1VtziexjU-qy5d3PKo4P8plmQszPSKUPFd4DDPohEB2iT52VLqpvRzHlPWdTSaouNENfG-axYCMjZYsUrxmxM0bI4/s2078/IMG_1617.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2078" data-original-width="1401" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHwyduOKjFjykHjN4l7dSEUzvTtd5Dw1h4gyoLbU4kl9wYr4YYlaH5Awb67zYkxGVldG5Qp8SB1yx827eJGgydOXD2ltc9N_uXv1VtziexjU-qy5d3PKo4P8plmQszPSKUPFd4DDPohEB2iT52VLqpvRzHlPWdTSaouNENfG-axYCMjZYsUrxmxM0bI4/w270-h400/IMG_1617.jpeg" width="270" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Doonesbury by Gary Trudeau/Universal Press Syndicate/Andrews McMeel Syndication</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The strip takes an irreverent look at the perils of teaching the truth about history in the state of Florida. . No matter that the cartoonist, Garry Trudeau, the first comic strip artist to ever win* a Pulitzer, is considered the finest editorial cartoonist of his generation. Gannett decided that this topic was too risky to poke fun at in any of the newspapers it operates.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;">You can’t teach the truth in Florida and you can’t tell the truth about it in a Gannett newspaper.</p><p style="text-align: left;">In Oklahoma a sixteen year old nonbinary high school student was beaten in a bathroom and <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/21/us/oklahoma-transgender-law-teen-dead.html" target="_blank">died</a> the next day. Anti-trans policies passed at the state level have made life more difficult for LGBTQ+ students and hateful sentiment stirred up by online trolls such as Libs of TikTok have caused strife and discord in schools and the surrounding communities.</p><p style="text-align: left;">You can’t be safe as an LGBTQ+ student in Oklahoma and you can’t be a teacher who supports those students, either. </p><p style="text-align: left;">How on earth did we get here?</p><p style="text-align: left;">In both cases state legislatures and local school boards have been weaponized by the ignorant and intolerant. Teaching the truth about history and fostering the development of higher order critical thinking skills so that students can weigh evidence and make up their own minds is labeled as “indoctrination” or “CRT”. Of course it is neither. The role of education is to open up worlds, to give students the tools to make their worlds bigger. </p><p style="text-align: left;">In the same way, making school safe and accepting for LGBTQ+ students, teachers, and families is not “grooming” or an attack on “Christian values.” At the risk of repeating myself: it is neither. The role of education is to open up worlds, to give students the tools to make their worlds bigger. </p><p style="text-align: left;">What is happening in these state governments and school boards makes students’ worlds <b>smaller</b>, their lives and learning circumscribed and limited. The end result of these laws and rules to exert control has been harassment and abuse of those the rule-makers perceive to be different or threatening. </p><p style="text-align: left;">In every election we are seeing more and more of this condemning and controlling language, even in Maryland,which is often described as “reliably Blue.” That is why it is so important to treat those down-ballot races as life or death decisions. Those are the places where tremendous harm can percolate and overflow into our communities. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Those who would impose one ideology to the exclusion of all else are damaging the essence of what our Democracy needs to survive and to flourish. We <b>must</b> educate ourselves about State and School Board candidates or we shall surely find ourselves in the grips of these folks and their attacks on education. They are highly motivated and they plan ahead. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Perhaps you feel secure and think this couldn’t happen here. We can’t be complacent. Learn everything you can about local candidates and vote with the intent to keep Democracy alive.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VillageGreenTownSquared/?ref=bookmarks" target="_blank">Village Green/Town² Comments</a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">* <b>In 1975, Trudeau became the first comic strip artist to win a Pulitzer, traditionally awarded to editorial-page cartoonists. He was also a Pulitzer finalist in 1990, 2004, and 2005. Other awards include the National Cartoonist Society Newspaper Comic Strip Award in 1994, and the Reuben Award in 1995. In 1993, Trudeau was made a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.- - </b>Wikipedia </p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Julia A. McCreadyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02578923889566471799noreply@blogger.com0