This week marks the beginning of summer for me--no I am not moving up the date of the summer solstice or advancing June 21st celebrations--I am cheering the arrival of the tiger lilies along the upcounty highways and by-ways. As I drive by, I note these bright orange blooms waving at me from the un-mowed roadsides that dot our two lane shoulder-less routes. Annually, these plants come in mid-June and are a cheerful reminder of the importance of keeping this upcounty natural beauty open to all. This is a subtle reminder to slow down and literally smell the flowers!
We had a productive round of door-knocking Saturday; at least there was a breeze to relieve the heat a bit. Of course, we can always use more volunteers; many hands make light work. Sign up on the website to volunteer as we are door knocking several times a week-– this is a very big District you know!
I have had a busy time the last few weeks on the campaign trail. Recently I enjoyed the graduation celebration at Leadership Montgomery. Outgoing interim President Hercules Pinckney of Montgomery College was given special honors not only for his distinguished career, but also for his role at a difficult time. It was good to see again many of the colleagues I knew from my days teaching at the college. I know I join many in the county saluting Dr. Pinckney and the other distinguished graduates.
Friday the 11th saw me at the annual District 14 club celebration and awards dinner in honor of several people important to District 14: Former County Executive Sid Kramer; Coach Chuck Carter of youth tennis fame; Hattie Washington, PhD, of Aunt Hattie’s Place; and Jerald Samet, philanthropist and founder of many initiatives not only here, but also across the country. It is great to see how members of our community step up in troubled times to show a spirit of volunteerism and giving back.
Saturday evening found me celebrating the contributions of Rajan Natarajan at his 50th Birthday party. Many elected officials and friends joined me in honoring the accomplishments of this educated entrepreneurial newcomer who has already made a difference in the county and state. I also enjoyed the Indian food, music and dancing!
Yesterday I also stopped by the Juneteenth celebration in Rockville co-sponsored by the Human Rights Commission (now celebrating its' 50th year) and HSBC bank in the Rockville Town Center. Rev. Tim Warner, Tina Clarke, Anita Powell and others commemorated this day of dual importance - not only to the African American Community but to us all.
Days on the campaign trail are both tiring and invigorating. Do let me know of your event. If I can, I will stop by.
My first literature piece was posted on the Maryland Politics Watch blog yesterday. If you haven’t seen it, take a look. It tells more of what my campaign is all about.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Out and About
Well I can hardly believe it has been about a month since I updated this blog. Time has gone by very quickly and the campaign is really picking up speed. Of course, if you have time on your hands, I can probably find some doors for you to help me knock on or envelopes that need stuffing!
Mothers Day saw me at the opening of the Olney Farmers Market where my daughter Hillary and I watched Warren Brown of Cake Love demonstrate – and sample - some of his famous cakes, then we went out for a Mothers Day Brunch! Some days one just has to be a Mom!
I joined the Civic Federation at their annual awards ceremony and dinner held at the Universities of Shady Grove. About 100 people helped them celebrate their heritage as a civic group that has existed for about 80 years. Congrats to Peggy Dennis – President – and to all of their awardees.
The Potomac Hunt called to me on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon as I traveled to Poolesville to watch the races on grass at the Kiplinger fields. Some races were jumping races (over timber it is said) and others were flat out races. Old and young watched, tailgated and cheered. I got to meet and greet …and eat – of course. Thanks to Peter and Cindy Eeg for their hospitality.
Mother Nature rained on the Olney Days celebration and the fireworks, so we did not get to march in the Parade as planned, but I did get a chance to stop by the Rocketeria sponsored Rock Concert at their parking lot stage under a sunny sky, finally. It is always great to see talented youth, and work with those in Project Change, who make such a difference in our county. Congrats also to Arianna and Dave, two talented adults who have taken their knowledge and musical abilities and created a small business teaching music at their store which is now a vibrant part of the community. We often decry the reality of all of our communities looking alike with national chains dominating the commerce, but when there are individuals who realize their dreams for their small businesses, the community should step up and support them as the task of continuing ones own dream can be difficult.
Memorial Day was a weekend for memories; Rolling Thunder again came to town, reminding me yet again of my late brother who served in Vietnam and all those who served before and since.
It was also a time for door knocking as I got out and about the county. Let me know when you would like to join in the fun; meeting voters is always one of the best parts of campaigning! (Contact me here).
This weekend – June 5th I’m off to the Strawberry Festival at the Sandy Spring Museum; always one of the most delicious of events – come on over!
Mothers Day saw me at the opening of the Olney Farmers Market where my daughter Hillary and I watched Warren Brown of Cake Love demonstrate – and sample - some of his famous cakes, then we went out for a Mothers Day Brunch! Some days one just has to be a Mom!
I joined the Civic Federation at their annual awards ceremony and dinner held at the Universities of Shady Grove. About 100 people helped them celebrate their heritage as a civic group that has existed for about 80 years. Congrats to Peggy Dennis – President – and to all of their awardees.
The Potomac Hunt called to me on a beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon as I traveled to Poolesville to watch the races on grass at the Kiplinger fields. Some races were jumping races (over timber it is said) and others were flat out races. Old and young watched, tailgated and cheered. I got to meet and greet …and eat – of course. Thanks to Peter and Cindy Eeg for their hospitality.
Mother Nature rained on the Olney Days celebration and the fireworks, so we did not get to march in the Parade as planned, but I did get a chance to stop by the Rocketeria sponsored Rock Concert at their parking lot stage under a sunny sky, finally. It is always great to see talented youth, and work with those in Project Change, who make such a difference in our county. Congrats also to Arianna and Dave, two talented adults who have taken their knowledge and musical abilities and created a small business teaching music at their store which is now a vibrant part of the community. We often decry the reality of all of our communities looking alike with national chains dominating the commerce, but when there are individuals who realize their dreams for their small businesses, the community should step up and support them as the task of continuing ones own dream can be difficult.
Memorial Day was a weekend for memories; Rolling Thunder again came to town, reminding me yet again of my late brother who served in Vietnam and all those who served before and since.
It was also a time for door knocking as I got out and about the county. Let me know when you would like to join in the fun; meeting voters is always one of the best parts of campaigning! (Contact me here).
This weekend – June 5th I’m off to the Strawberry Festival at the Sandy Spring Museum; always one of the most delicious of events – come on over!
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