The comment I've heard lately that there are more blogs in Silver Spring than there are people is slightly exaggerated. If my count is accurate, there are "only" 10 or so active blogs that speak to issues relevant to fermenting and improving this thriving community. (There are many many many other issue and/or subject specific blogs in Silver spring - and many of them are really excellent... But here we are focusing on blogs that folks active in civic life find interesting.)
Running the risk of trying an impossible task, here is my list - a list - of these blogs with an attempt at a descriptive statement (or two) for each. If I misspeak, please correct me - I know you will :-)
(Also, they appear in no particular order.)
SILVER SPRING SPEAKS
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/
The blog you are reading now. Moderated by Reemberto Rodriguez, Director of the Silver Spring Regional Center on topics relevant to the Center's mission - i.e.: connecting to community.
THE DIRECTOR'S BLOG
http://montgomeryplanning.org/blog-director/
Moderated by Rollin Stanley, Director of Park & Planning. Excellent source for better understanding of development issues.
SILVER SPRING SINGULAR
http://www.silverspringsingular.com/
Going strong for 4+ years. "News 'N Notes" feature provides succinct, one sentence blips with intentional, well placed links.
SILVER SPRING: THEN AND AGAIN
http://silverspringthenagain.blogspot.com/
Moderated by Jerry A. McCoy, professional-level writings and great photographs that puts our community in its proper historical context.
JUST UP THE PIKE
http://www.justupthepike.com/
Great reporting on not only Silver Spring, but meaningful stuff going on in our neighboring communities.
SILVER SPRING PHOTO
http://silverspringdailyphoto.com/
For those of us that are somewhat photographically challenged, this is a must-visit blog. Great panoramic pictures of many of our everyday spots.
SILVER SPRING SKATEBOARDING
http://silverspringskateboarding.blogspot.com/
"Promoting skateboarding and its benefits to youth..." Really cool pictures too.
THAYER AVE
http://www.thayeravenue.com/
"...this one was inspired both by those that have come before and the overwhelming sense of community on our beloved street." [For those that don't know, Thayer Ave in near Downtown Silver Spring.]
SOCO EATS
http://socoeats.blogspot.com/
Got to love the name! Very neat reviews of eateries in the "South County" area. The 'people-interest' angle of the reviews give great insight into our community.
SILVER SPRING SPRINKLES
http://silverspringsprinkles.blogspot.com/
"A sprinkling of Silver Spring, MD. Sum Random assortment of news, photos, and trivia." Postings are not as regular as others, but the brief postings are worth checking out.
THE SILVER BEE
http://www.thesilverbee.com/
A private residential real estate venture, but with very good 'community angle' stories. Also has relevant local 'real estate' news.
A PARENT IN SILVER SPRING
http://aparentinsilverspring.com/Even the colors of this blog say what it is :-) Certainly not limited to Silver Spring proper, but a 'must-visit' blog if you have little ones. [Check out their Calendar Feature - easy to use, highly informative, and up to date.]
SILVER SPRING TOWN CENTER
http://www.silverspringtowncenter.blogspot.com/
Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., (SSTCi) maintains this blog. This is the organization responsible for - among other things - providing advice to the Regional Center to ensure community-serving events happen at the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza.
SILVER SPRING NEIGHBORHOODS
http://silverspringneighborhoods.blogspot.com/
"Periodic news", well written and detailed description of projects and events. Neat pictures of community gatherings.
SOUTH SILVER SPRING NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
http://www.southsilverspring.org/
Devoted to the folks on East West Highway, on the West side of Georgia. Issue oriented articles are thorough and professionally written.
MONTGOMERY SIDEWAYS
http://montgomerysideways.blogspot.com/
"A pedestrian in Montgomery County."... GREAT pictures of what impedes pedestrian movement in our community.
THE NEIGHBORS CAMPAIGN
http://neighborscampaign.wordpress.com/
IMPACT Silver Spring's herculean attempt to knock on 10,000 doors in our community to connect with those not typically engaged in traditional civic life.
THE STRAIGHT LINE
http://montgomeryplanning.org/blog-design/
Design oriented, moderated by the best of our local planners at the Montgomery County Planning Department.
SILVER SPRING TRAILS
http://www.silverspringtrails.org/
About building a network of trails in lower Montgomery County.
SILVER SPRING BLOG
http://silverspringblog.wordpress.com/
Newest blog around. Moderated by recent new homeowner. Cool observations and refreshing views.
SILVER SPRING TRAILS
http://www.silverspringtrails.org/
All about the bike trails throughout the County - current and future.
THE SILVER SPRING PENGUIN
http://silverspringpenguin.com/
No longer active, but wonderful 'recent history' account of our community... (We miss it!)
-----
NEARBY BLOGS OF POSSIBLE INTEREST TO SILVER SPRING
BEYOND DC
http://beyonddc.com/
All about our neighbors to the south.
UNSUCK DC METRO
http://unsuckdcmetro.blogspot.com/2010/11/metro-knew-of-escalator-brake-issues.html
Advocate's take on DC Metro
GREATER WASHINGTON
http://greatergreaterwashington.org/
Exceptionally well written blog on broader "growth" issues, but with occasional specific pieces as well (like the one on our own Civic Building!)
MARYLAND POLITICS
http://maryland-politics.blogspot.com/
The name speaks for itself :-)
SOCIABLE SUSAN
http://sociablesusan.blogspot.com/
Moderated by Susan Majek, a freelance journalist. Interesting tid-bits in the general DC entertainment area.
Did I forget your favorite? Please comment and add it!... Become a 'follower' of this blog so you will get future postings.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Fenton Street Market - a Place Where Community Happens
Fenton Street Market - a Place Where Community Happens
Fenton Street Market is open for business!
Every Saturday through October, 9am -3pm - rain or shine.
Corner of Fenton Street & Silver Spring Ave.
Have you been by?... The Fenton Street Market is truly a gem in our community. Art, craft, and more… Right here in our mist; down the street from many of us; within a couple of miles of everyone in Silver Spring…
http://www.fentonstreetmarket.com/
This is just not only a neat place to shop; yet another eclectic cool place in Silver Spring… There’s lots written about how we can help grow our own economy by supporting markets like this. We intutitivel know that local markets are part of a community’s vibrant economy. They provide an outlet for entrepreneurs as well as unique and different products found nowhere else.
But, have you ever thought about this Market as a place where community happens?
Historically, it is in the market place that people meet, congregate, and yes, enter into that lost art of ‘conversation’…
So, come hang out; see who else stopped by; spark a conversation… And, who knows? Maybe you’ll decide to walk up to Downtown after wards; or make it your meeting place after visiting the Farmers Market; or drop off your car at one of the Sligo Ave. repair shops and stop by for some eats; or make the Market your pit-stop as you read the new Historical Markers on Georgia Avenue…
If you have folks visiting from out of town, bring them by; they’ll be pleasantly pleased… If you get tired of planting those flowers, come by; you may be surprised.
This Saturday (April 24th) in particular provides a wonderful opportunity to stop by the Fenton Street Market as part of your ‘Saturday in Silver Spring’.
- Our downtown streets will be buzzing with the Amnesty International Human Rights Art Festival… Make a stop by the Market part of your visit!
- Long Branch will be having an Earth Day clean-up… Come by the Market afterwards to refresh and reconnect.
See you there!
Thought? Comments? Chime in!... Become a follower of this blog to see future posting.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Task at Hand: Connecting to Community
[A couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate to have been part of a Sustainability Design Assistance Team with the American Institute of Architects in Portland, Maine. Part of my assignment was to discuss how the neighborhood of East Bayside in Portland could 'connect to community'... I left them with these thoughts, some of which may be relevant to us here in Silver Spring.]
A. OF CLOCKS & CLOUDS
Connecting to community to work towards a robust, revitalized neighborhood is hard work.
Who is at the table of decision making; who did the inviting to dinner; who paid for the dinner; and, to what end are we eating together anyway?... These are but some of the critical questions we need to ask ourselves. And, assuming our intent is to have a broader, more inclusive and participatory process, these are questions that somehow must be asked by those - and of those - not normally invited to the table.
To have a community where people from so many different walks of life come together intentionally and by happenstance is something that has not normally occurred in most places. What we are trying to do here has not worked very well most anywhere in the world other than certain ports of entry (some parts of San Francisco and New York, for example.)
More often than not, culture segments gravitate to their own. More often than not, most of us still rather hang out with our kind. This is the case however you slice our culture: by age, ethnicity, social strata, or even tenure in place. Yet, in a growing number of communities in the United States, many of the stakeholders are embracing the values of togetherness, collaboration, and partnership.
But again: This is not easy. Challenging what some might term the ‘human intuition’ to ‘stick with our type’ is not a linear process; there is no quick fix; there are no clear and concise solutions.
This process is not like clockwork… Clockwork implies firm technical solutions; turn the dial and it is done; set the timer and let it go.
Rather, this process is much more like a cloud… It is not a linear process… It is not necessarily efficient… It is messy, fraught with false starts, wrong turns, and wasted times… But, like the cloud, it can bring much needed rain and sunshine… Yet, it remains undefined… It morphs… It goes away, and then comes back… This is a continuous, never-ending process.
Nonetheless, many remain committed to ‘making it work’; to ‘muddle through’ the unknown to a place that while we may not quite be able to describe, ‘we’ll know when we are there’.
This lack of definition, clarity, and murkiness may frustrate some - and, unfortunately, may also provide a ‘cover’ to some for inaction.
Yet, most in this community are willing to try… And, that is a good thing!
B. DIAL OF RELATIONSHIP
Much of this work is about relationships: Building, nourishing, and strengthening them. In the ‘dial of relationship’ – which goes from rejection, to tolerance, acceptance, and embracing, most in our community seem to have chosen “full steam ahead”: embracing. That is a noble, commendable, wise - and economically savvy decision.
Only cutting through the issues that divide us and finding where the agendas of the different segment of the community intersect will we move forward across age, ethnic, social strata, and tenure status. We could have chosen to reject the newcomers; only tolerate the youth; merely accept those from other cultures… Yet, it is evident that a critical core of stakeholders in this community actually embrace the changes at hand and are willing to work towards a thriving community that benefits all community members.
C. CAUTION! CAUTION! BEWARE!
As mentioned earlier, this process is hard and difficult. Along the way, major stumbling block will appear that can derail good intentions. Key among these are:
- Moving too fast too soon “If we only dance together, they’ll trust us.” Not! The new immigrant population; the '30-somethings' moving in... New comers will continue to constantly come. There is no ‘instant integration formula’. It is critically important that newcomers be given the space to share and participate at their pace - and in their place!
- High expectations “If we only did this (or that) it would all be perfect.” Not! It will not be perfect. High expectations can mar sensible progress. Celebrate small victories; identify “little things that mean a lot.”
- Demanding instant results “If we just put a youth on the board, it will all be ok.” Not! Our culture is incredibly anthropologically complex. There is simply no quick-fix to most any of the issues we facie. While a new mural may help create a sense of community ownership, it will not erase years of disenfranchisement.
- Over analyze “Let’s analyze the situation more.” Not! Analysis is certainly a must. But, there is a time when we must say: Let’s make a decision and move on. Beware of “paralysis by analysis”.
- Demand Too Much Data “If we only had more information the answer would be obvious.” Not! Data is critical to the analysis. Yet, too much information can be overwhelming – and right down problematic to comprehend. Beware of “death by data”.
None of the ‘beware’ points above are ‘bad’ in and of themselves… We need to move on, have expectations, demand results, analyze, and have credible data… But, certainly beware of any of these – or a combination of them – becoming the ‘end point’.
D. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
The challenge remains to build and sustain trust to establish and nourish relationships… Then and only then can we invite all to the table of decision making with credibility and expect genuine, authentic, meaningful and enthusiastic participation. Before we get to the point of ‘decision making’ for sustainable, long term results, however, there is a community engagement process:
1. Embrace
2. Gain trust
3. Establish sustainable relationships
4. Identify leadership
5. Convene dialogues
6. Share power
Then and only then can we truly talk about – and walk the walk – of ‘making decisions together’… of “engaging our community”.
MORE INFO:
[] Detailed 'final draft' of my section of the report HERE
[] Official full report HERE
[] Portland Sponsoring Group Application HERE
...thoughts, comments?... Join in! - Become a 'follower' of this blog to receive future posting!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Where one mile will get you in Silver Spring
NOTE: When I say “Silver Spring” in this post, I mean the “Silver Spring Regional Center” geography. That is the area mostly* south of the beltway, north of the DC line, west of the Prince George County, and east of Rock Creek Park. (*We do include Four Corners north of the Beltway.)
One mile. Twenty minutes walking. Five minutes bike ride.
Amazing where you can walk to in Silver Spring in less time than it takes to watch a sitcom… Or bike to in less time than it takes to listen to two iTunes… And, if drive you must, it is quite something that – most of the time – you’ll find available parking. (But, why drive unless you must?)
Regardless of were you live in Silver Spring, you live less than one mile from one of the following gems:
- Downtown Silver Spring
- Montgomery Hills
- Blair High School
- Flower/Piney Branch eateries
- Sligo Ave. car repair shops
Many of us live less than 2 miles from at least ½ of these spots. Indeed, all of them are less than 2.5 miles from each other!
When you look at it from this perspective, it is not unthinkable at all to walk from Montgomery Hills to Montgomery College for an event, stopping halfway on Bonifant for a culinary experience… Or to bike from Four Corners to Takoma Park, with a pit stop at Long Branch... The distance from one extreme of Silver Spring to the other – say Avery Park to Rock Creek Park – is no more than 5 miles.
So, how do we ferment the culture of “enjoy what is local”? How do we invite others to explore “our own backyard”?... If we must venture beyond our own Silver Spring, why not visit our neighbors in Langley Park, Wheaton, or NW DC?... So much to do; so much to explore; so little time! (Did you know that in the last year there's been over 100 events & celebrations in Downtown Silver Spring alone?)
Get lost in your own ‘hood! Go home a different way. Eat at a spot that you just routinely‘pass by’. Walk a different path. Bike a different trail… You might be surprised what you find!
[If you do find one of those hidden - or not so hidden - gems, please share as a comment on this blog – and don’t forget to become a ‘follower’ so you get future postings.]
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Hi-Tech and Hi-Touch
{This is another posting where I am pretty much ‘plagiarizing myself’… This is an updated version of a posting made ‘in another blog’ about a year ago, but it is particularly relevant to us today.}
"We must match our zeal for hi-tech with our passion for hi-touch lest we wire the world and short-circuit the soul."
With all the talk about FaceBook, Tweeter, on-line connection, etc., we really need to make sure we match our zeal for hi-tech with our passion for hi-touch lest we wire the world and short-circuit the soul.
This catchy – but all so true - statement is a combination of a theme from yesterday (John Nesbitt, the author of the book “Megatrends” released back in the 80’s) and a line I heard some young author say recently (I can’t remember her name.)
John Nesbitt – who is still very much around – was instrumental in foreshadowing the hi-tech boom of the latter part of the 20th century. He highlighted, however, that all the hi-tech in the world would be meaningless if we lose sight of the ‘human need’ to touch, feel, see eye-to-eye, and simply ‘be in the same physical space’. Twenty plus years after his famous book “Megatrends” I find myself reading “The Soul of a Leader: Finding Your Path to Success and Fulfillment” (by Margaret Benefiel.) She too reasserts that innate need we have for belonging, being with each other, and finding that inner strength that comes from our connection to others. While neither of these two books is directly about our field of community development, there is a third that brings these themes together in a very potent way. The name of the book is “The Paradox of Power: From Control to Compassion” by Michael H. Crosby. (Google him. He is a Franciscan priest in Milwaukee.) Simply a great, great read.
Also on point and probably more directly related to our field is the work being done by various organizations throughout the country that are trying to respond to the current seismic shift in the economy with a combination of “hi-tech & hi-touch”. One example is something being done right in our own backyard, Silver Spring.
You might have heard of the partnership called Neighbors Campaign. They are bringing together the best of ‘old school’ (door knocking) with the best of today’s social media (blogs). Door knocking presses the flesh; blogs link the bytes. Their charge is simple: Let neighbors know that others care, and welcome their participation in common action for their individual and collective wellness. The commitment is to do door knocks and – here’s where the hi-tech comes in – document the process to maximize others getting enthused about the Neighbors Campaign. You can view the blog at http://neighborscampaign.wordpress.com/
Yes, the door knocking and blogging also intends to bring residents news about what services are available to help them through their economic crisis. And yes, the County is a partner… But, infinitely more important is the enhanced sense of caring and empathy that our community will feel… To know that someone cares; to know where to turn for comfort; to know whose house the next convening is at where people will share stories and maybe offer a hand. Door knocks alone could not get us there; neither could blogs alone… It is the innovative combination of these ‘hi-tech’ / ‘hi-touch’ techniques that will make success possible.
When training door-knockers for whatever purpose, it is critically important to ask them to visualize the inside of the house after they walk away. How does the person that just closed the door feel? Are they (a) energized to join others in the process – regardless of their personal situation; or are they (b) left simply knowing what phone number to call for help? Have we left them with (a) a sense that – again, regardless of their personal situation – they have a lot to offer others; or are they left with (b) the sense things are bad and help is somewhere out there? If we left them with (b), it is not enough… We must leave them with (a): A sense that they have lots to offer and the excitement to do so.
When building a blog, it is critical that we drive people to people – not just to hyperspace. The blog is a tool for informing, yes. But, it is also a tool for exciting people to come together. And people come together in places and spaces where other people are: others’ living rooms; public spaces; the street corner happenstance gathering; accompanying others to do more door knocks; etc.
Hi-tech alone can be very efficient in mobilizing for action, getting many people to respond to an immediate situation, and disseminating information. But only good old fashion hi-touch can build long term sustainable relationships that will lead to systemic change in communities.
It is through a combination of these two venues (hi-tech and hi-touch) that the soul of the community is most effectively nourished.
Comments? Chime in!... And, please become a 'follower' of this blog so you get future postings.
"We must match our zeal for hi-tech with our passion for hi-touch lest we wire the world and short-circuit the soul."
With all the talk about FaceBook, Tweeter, on-line connection, etc., we really need to make sure we match our zeal for hi-tech with our passion for hi-touch lest we wire the world and short-circuit the soul.
This catchy – but all so true - statement is a combination of a theme from yesterday (John Nesbitt, the author of the book “Megatrends” released back in the 80’s) and a line I heard some young author say recently (I can’t remember her name.)
John Nesbitt – who is still very much around – was instrumental in foreshadowing the hi-tech boom of the latter part of the 20th century. He highlighted, however, that all the hi-tech in the world would be meaningless if we lose sight of the ‘human need’ to touch, feel, see eye-to-eye, and simply ‘be in the same physical space’. Twenty plus years after his famous book “Megatrends” I find myself reading “The Soul of a Leader: Finding Your Path to Success and Fulfillment” (by Margaret Benefiel.) She too reasserts that innate need we have for belonging, being with each other, and finding that inner strength that comes from our connection to others. While neither of these two books is directly about our field of community development, there is a third that brings these themes together in a very potent way. The name of the book is “The Paradox of Power: From Control to Compassion” by Michael H. Crosby. (Google him. He is a Franciscan priest in Milwaukee.) Simply a great, great read.
Also on point and probably more directly related to our field is the work being done by various organizations throughout the country that are trying to respond to the current seismic shift in the economy with a combination of “hi-tech & hi-touch”. One example is something being done right in our own backyard, Silver Spring.
You might have heard of the partnership called Neighbors Campaign. They are bringing together the best of ‘old school’ (door knocking) with the best of today’s social media (blogs). Door knocking presses the flesh; blogs link the bytes. Their charge is simple: Let neighbors know that others care, and welcome their participation in common action for their individual and collective wellness. The commitment is to do door knocks and – here’s where the hi-tech comes in – document the process to maximize others getting enthused about the Neighbors Campaign. You can view the blog at http://neighborscampaign.wordpress.com/
Yes, the door knocking and blogging also intends to bring residents news about what services are available to help them through their economic crisis. And yes, the County is a partner… But, infinitely more important is the enhanced sense of caring and empathy that our community will feel… To know that someone cares; to know where to turn for comfort; to know whose house the next convening is at where people will share stories and maybe offer a hand. Door knocks alone could not get us there; neither could blogs alone… It is the innovative combination of these ‘hi-tech’ / ‘hi-touch’ techniques that will make success possible.
When training door-knockers for whatever purpose, it is critically important to ask them to visualize the inside of the house after they walk away. How does the person that just closed the door feel? Are they (a) energized to join others in the process – regardless of their personal situation; or are they (b) left simply knowing what phone number to call for help? Have we left them with (a) a sense that – again, regardless of their personal situation – they have a lot to offer others; or are they left with (b) the sense things are bad and help is somewhere out there? If we left them with (b), it is not enough… We must leave them with (a): A sense that they have lots to offer and the excitement to do so.
When building a blog, it is critical that we drive people to people – not just to hyperspace. The blog is a tool for informing, yes. But, it is also a tool for exciting people to come together. And people come together in places and spaces where other people are: others’ living rooms; public spaces; the street corner happenstance gathering; accompanying others to do more door knocks; etc.
Hi-tech alone can be very efficient in mobilizing for action, getting many people to respond to an immediate situation, and disseminating information. But only good old fashion hi-touch can build long term sustainable relationships that will lead to systemic change in communities.
It is through a combination of these two venues (hi-tech and hi-touch) that the soul of the community is most effectively nourished.
Comments? Chime in!... And, please become a 'follower' of this blog so you get future postings.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
What is going to be going on at our Town Center?
SILVER SPRING CIVIC BUILDING and VETERANS PLAZA: STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES, FUNCTIONS, AND EVENTS
On Thursday, March 23 2010 we held a very successful convening of people interested in the Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza. Over 100 folks from all walks of life came by. We had old-timers, new comers, veterans, businesses, residents, and many others.
We presented the (evolving!) “categorization” of structured activities, functions, and events that will be going on in the facility. Here we present a newer, slightly revised version based on some of the input at the convening. We welcome your continued input!
NOTE 1: We focused on the “structured” stuff; i.e.: that which is pre-arranged and scheduled. We did not focus on all the UNstructured stuff that will be going on… THAT is the topic of the next blog posting!... (We also need to discuss “WHO” the users will be; lots to talk about!)
NOTE 2: If you want more info on the Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza, check out the links in other postings on this blog.
After all is said and done, most uses that we will see in the Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza can neatly fit in one of five (5) categories:
[1] STANDARD & ROUTINE TRADITIONAL PUBLIC SPACE USE
[2] OFFICIAL COUNTY USE (Other than the Silver Spring Regional Center)
[3] SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER USE
[4] MARKET RATE RENTAL
[5] ORIGINAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
Here's more detail on each:
[1] STANDARD & ROUTINE TRADITIONAL PUBLIC SPACE USE
Uses by customers that currently routinely access any other public facility in the County…
Think of the SSCB&VP as ‘just another item in the County’s portfolio of traditional space for public use'; for example:
- Many of the uses now scheduled in schools and other County facilities.
[2] OFFICIAL COUNTY USE (Other than the Silver Spring Regional Center)
Customary and regular use by County government (other than SSRC) for internal and external purposes…
Think of the CB&VP in ‘similar terms as the Executive Office Building or other County facilities'; for example:
- Public hearings; Town Hall meetings; Departmental staff meetings; Others?
- Inter-departmental and Multi-jurisdictional worksessions; Others?
[3] SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER USE
Customary and regular use by SSRC for its routine operations…
Think ‘the usual suspects, plus new uses to advance the focused mission of the SSRC'; for example:
- Advisory group meetings (SSCAB, UDC, A&E, TMD), their committees and worksessions; Others?
- Information, Education, Training sessions; Others?
- Jazz Festival; Thanksgiving Parade; Concerts; Veterans Day; New Year’s Eve First Night; Others?
[4] MARKET RATE RENTAL
Rentals of the facility to private business and enterprises, large institutions (including non-county government), affinity groups, and individual ventures and celebrations…
Think ‘demand driven, market rate, positive cash flow income generating’ uses; for example:
- Major seminars, conferences, and training; Business meetings; Annual meetings; Rink rental for hockey practice; Others?
- Bar/Bat mitzvahs; Quinceañeras; Family reunions; Weddings; Others?
[5] ORIGINAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
Original activities, functions, and events developed to serve, highlight, and/or celebrate Silver Spring…
Think ‘new, innovative, engaging, community-focused’ uses; for example:
- Community dialogues; Community celebrations; Community gatherings; Others?
- Participatory theater; Storytelling; Poetry; Spoken word; Others?
- Faith choirs; School bands; Local music showcase; Open mic; Table games competition; Others?
This list is certainly not comprehensive or conclusive... We need your idea... Please chime in!... (And, become a 'follower' of this blog so you can get notices of future postings.)
On Thursday, March 23 2010 we held a very successful convening of people interested in the Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza. Over 100 folks from all walks of life came by. We had old-timers, new comers, veterans, businesses, residents, and many others.
We presented the (evolving!) “categorization” of structured activities, functions, and events that will be going on in the facility. Here we present a newer, slightly revised version based on some of the input at the convening. We welcome your continued input!
NOTE 1: We focused on the “structured” stuff; i.e.: that which is pre-arranged and scheduled. We did not focus on all the UNstructured stuff that will be going on… THAT is the topic of the next blog posting!... (We also need to discuss “WHO” the users will be; lots to talk about!)
NOTE 2: If you want more info on the Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza, check out the links in other postings on this blog.
After all is said and done, most uses that we will see in the Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza can neatly fit in one of five (5) categories:
[1] STANDARD & ROUTINE TRADITIONAL PUBLIC SPACE USE
[2] OFFICIAL COUNTY USE (Other than the Silver Spring Regional Center)
[3] SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER USE
[4] MARKET RATE RENTAL
[5] ORIGINAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
Here's more detail on each:
[1] STANDARD & ROUTINE TRADITIONAL PUBLIC SPACE USE
Uses by customers that currently routinely access any other public facility in the County…
Think of the SSCB&VP as ‘just another item in the County’s portfolio of traditional space for public use'; for example:
- Many of the uses now scheduled in schools and other County facilities.
[2] OFFICIAL COUNTY USE (Other than the Silver Spring Regional Center)
Customary and regular use by County government (other than SSRC) for internal and external purposes…
Think of the CB&VP in ‘similar terms as the Executive Office Building or other County facilities'; for example:
- Public hearings; Town Hall meetings; Departmental staff meetings; Others?
- Inter-departmental and Multi-jurisdictional worksessions; Others?
[3] SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER USE
Customary and regular use by SSRC for its routine operations…
Think ‘the usual suspects, plus new uses to advance the focused mission of the SSRC'; for example:
- Advisory group meetings (SSCAB, UDC, A&E, TMD), their committees and worksessions; Others?
- Information, Education, Training sessions; Others?
- Jazz Festival; Thanksgiving Parade; Concerts; Veterans Day; New Year’s Eve First Night; Others?
[4] MARKET RATE RENTAL
Rentals of the facility to private business and enterprises, large institutions (including non-county government), affinity groups, and individual ventures and celebrations…
Think ‘demand driven, market rate, positive cash flow income generating’ uses; for example:
- Major seminars, conferences, and training; Business meetings; Annual meetings; Rink rental for hockey practice; Others?
- Bar/Bat mitzvahs; Quinceañeras; Family reunions; Weddings; Others?
[5] ORIGINAL COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
Original activities, functions, and events developed to serve, highlight, and/or celebrate Silver Spring…
Think ‘new, innovative, engaging, community-focused’ uses; for example:
- Community dialogues; Community celebrations; Community gatherings; Others?
- Participatory theater; Storytelling; Poetry; Spoken word; Others?
- Faith choirs; School bands; Local music showcase; Open mic; Table games competition; Others?
This list is certainly not comprehensive or conclusive... We need your idea... Please chime in!... (And, become a 'follower' of this blog so you can get notices of future postings.)
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tough Times Call for Tough Conversations
So, what better time to get together and ‘engage’ than now?
This Friday evening after work, we’ll be hanging out at McGinty’s on Ellworth Drive to ‘talk shop’ – and more.
Some of us have been doing these ‘informal, unofficial’ gatherings for quite sometime… You never know who might just stop by!... Visit our web-site to see pictures & rsvp:
http://soulsalsaspirit.homestead.com/Friday_Happy_Hour.html
[By the way, this will be an excellent opportunity for all the 'followers' of this blog to actually 'press the flesh' in person... Hi-tech is good; but, hi-touch is better!]
Last Sunday I had the opportunity to do a workshop at the National League of Cities Conference being held in DC. It was a real pleasure interacting with a room full of elected officials from (predominantly) small cities throughout the United States, from California to Georgia. It never seizes to amaze me how incredible unique we are here in Silver Spring – yet how incredibly similar we are to so many other places.
Needless to say, the conversation never strayed too far from the budget challenges being faced by all municipalities… It is like the gauntlet felt by the private sector 15 months ago has now hit us…
Yet, it is not in every jurisdiction that the leadership is up to the task at hand. We are fortunate here in our County for that to be the case. Our County Executive’s recommended budget is a great example of this.
If you have not seen the detail, it is all there for all to see at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ombtmpl.asp?url=/content/omb/fy11/psprec/index.asp
No doubt about it, things will change.
For example, as of FY11, the mission of the Regional Centers will refocus on:
• Connecting to communities; and,
• Supporting the advisory groups.
We will continue to work closely with the community but more in planning, problem-solving, and connecting assets to opportunities (which is our core mission.) We will be identifying resources and processes – again, connecting assets - rather than actively helping with administrative tasks and activities (i.e. providing and distributing publicity posters, assisting with on-site activities at community events, etc.) We’ll continue working with agencies in facilitating connections between them and the community and vice versa, but will not be assisting with their direct services (i.e. Transit’s fare media sales, day-to-day building management, etc.). We’re basically returning to our basic mission.
Our Regional Center will be a very different place this summer and beyond from what it has been in the past:
- We will do more engaging, but less services.
- We will do more convenings, but less documenting
- We will do more connecting (internally and externally), but less fixing specific problems
We will focus on the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza not only as a facility, but as our venue for engaging, convening, and connecting with our community and to accomplish our mission.
We will continue with the Jazz Festival, Thanksgiving Parade, and Community Celebrations*/Summer Concerts; and other investments that are key to our economic vitality. (*The “Community Celebrations” will focus on celebrating the Town Center.)
…Talking about ‘conversations’, join us next TUESDAY, March 23rd at 7pm at Discovery Communications for the next convening regarding our Civic Building and Veterans Plaza…
Indeed, tough times call for tough conversations… Please chime in!
This Friday evening after work, we’ll be hanging out at McGinty’s on Ellworth Drive to ‘talk shop’ – and more.
Some of us have been doing these ‘informal, unofficial’ gatherings for quite sometime… You never know who might just stop by!... Visit our web-site to see pictures & rsvp:
http://soulsalsaspirit.homestead.com/Friday_Happy_Hour.html
[By the way, this will be an excellent opportunity for all the 'followers' of this blog to actually 'press the flesh' in person... Hi-tech is good; but, hi-touch is better!]
Last Sunday I had the opportunity to do a workshop at the National League of Cities Conference being held in DC. It was a real pleasure interacting with a room full of elected officials from (predominantly) small cities throughout the United States, from California to Georgia. It never seizes to amaze me how incredible unique we are here in Silver Spring – yet how incredibly similar we are to so many other places.
Needless to say, the conversation never strayed too far from the budget challenges being faced by all municipalities… It is like the gauntlet felt by the private sector 15 months ago has now hit us…
Yet, it is not in every jurisdiction that the leadership is up to the task at hand. We are fortunate here in our County for that to be the case. Our County Executive’s recommended budget is a great example of this.
If you have not seen the detail, it is all there for all to see at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ombtmpl.asp?url=/content/omb/fy11/psprec/index.asp
No doubt about it, things will change.
For example, as of FY11, the mission of the Regional Centers will refocus on:
• Connecting to communities; and,
• Supporting the advisory groups.
We will continue to work closely with the community but more in planning, problem-solving, and connecting assets to opportunities (which is our core mission.) We will be identifying resources and processes – again, connecting assets - rather than actively helping with administrative tasks and activities (i.e. providing and distributing publicity posters, assisting with on-site activities at community events, etc.) We’ll continue working with agencies in facilitating connections between them and the community and vice versa, but will not be assisting with their direct services (i.e. Transit’s fare media sales, day-to-day building management, etc.). We’re basically returning to our basic mission.
Our Regional Center will be a very different place this summer and beyond from what it has been in the past:
- We will do more engaging, but less services.
- We will do more convenings, but less documenting
- We will do more connecting (internally and externally), but less fixing specific problems
We will focus on the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza not only as a facility, but as our venue for engaging, convening, and connecting with our community and to accomplish our mission.
We will continue with the Jazz Festival, Thanksgiving Parade, and Community Celebrations*/Summer Concerts; and other investments that are key to our economic vitality. (*The “Community Celebrations” will focus on celebrating the Town Center.)
…Talking about ‘conversations’, join us next TUESDAY, March 23rd at 7pm at Discovery Communications for the next convening regarding our Civic Building and Veterans Plaza…
Indeed, tough times call for tough conversations… Please chime in!
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