Silver Spring - A Poem

I found this poem framed on my wall when I moved into my office 10 months ago… I re-read it last night after attending one of the countless contentious collaborative and conflicting meetings held at the Silver Spring Regional Center… It resonated with me… Maybe it will with you…

Do you know Marvin? Is he still around? If so, please ask him to contact us... We’d like to reconnect.

SILVER SPRING

By Marvin N. Clark
Silver Spring Resident
1999


More than buildings, blinking traffic signals
and concrete sidewalks;

You are the icing on the cake teeming with
human potential.

You are neighborhoods and environs
working on promoting the common good.

there are many varied visions of your greatness:

Some see you as the hub in the big wheel of
commercial activity;

Some see you as a cosmopolitan ocean filled
with diverse cultures and backgrounds;

Some see you as the bridge that connects
the future and the past;

Some see you as a large portal that opens
the way for revitalization and regeneration.

Silver Spring, you are the anchor that
neighbors cling fast to for stability.

You are the linchpin connecting collective,
social experience.

In essence, you are more than words printed
on a map or brochure.

You are the common thread that binds and
seams individuals together.

You transform the one into the many.

You are attitude. You are shared awareness.

You are the sum total of human endeavor.

You are a community, growing its own persona
and unique character.

Silver Spring, you are loved;

And you are the place many love to call home.

Marvin N. Clark
Silver Spring Resident
1999

Comments? Please chime in - and become a follower of the blog so you can get future postings!

Surfing in Silver Spring: Key Web Links

A couple of weeks ago we created a posting that highlighted the key blogs that most pertain to creating community in Silver Spring and provide access to information related to that broad topic. Now it is time to venture into the ever-changing landscape of web-links that do the same.

Obviously, no list can be complete; and, all lists are biased by whomever created them... Nonetheless, here we go!

Here's the list (IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER!) that hopefully serves as a 'start'... PLEASE let us know of others so we can 'grow' this list!

MONTGOMERY COUNTY MAIN WEB SITE:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/
Official Gov't portal, including links to services, departments, Executive and Council info, and how to volunteer and serve.
Spend time in here!... It is more full of surprises than you might expect; i.e.: make sure you check out the 'Paperless Airplane', a solid compilation of key news items.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER MAIN WEB SITE:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/rsc/silsprng/welcome.asp
Links to calendars, contacts, board and committee records. Also links to partner organizations.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER link to Major Development Projects
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/DGS/DBDC/RegionalProjectPages/silverspring.asp
Great site for background information on the major development projects in Sivler Spring.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SILVER SPRING URBAN DISTRICT (DOWNTOWN):
http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/
Interactive guide for arts, entertainment, restaurants, events, and more throughout the Urban District.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING [Peterson, Foulger Pratt and Argo Investments]:
http://www.downtownsilverspring.com/main.html
Information for 'what is going on' in vibrant Downtown Silver Spring, including calendar of events.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GREATER SILVER SPRING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
http://www.silverspringchamber.com/
Simple to navigate and full of useful info, including great lists of businesses by type.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTGOMERY PLANNING INFORMATION:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/
Everything you always wanted to know about planning in our area. Links to hard demographic and development data. Very good search engine!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING Development Projects in Silver Spring
http://montgomeryplanning.org/community/silverspring/index.shtm
Direct link to the County planning projects and master plans in Silver Spring.

http://www.mcatlas.org/Atlas/
Amazing "atlas", with detailed project/development numbers and dates, accessible from "clickable" map. HOWEVER: To make the map 'clickable', you have to first 'click' the little 'i' icon on the top right tool bar. PLUS: Make sure you've checked only the 'development review' box on the menu on the left... THEN, you can click on any development to get the "Application Number"; 'cut & paste', and input it in the dialog box of:
http://www.mcatlas.org/Development_Info/

You may also want to try:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/development/finder.shtm
Map of all recent (post July 2010) formal development proposals in the County.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOCAL NEWS SOURCES:
www.Gazette.net
www.SilverSpringVoice.com
TBD.com
The Patch
Two great traditional newspapers & two up-and-coming web-based sources for local news. Also, very useful community calendar functions for most everything going on.

EXTRA: THE GAZETTE's LINK TO PAST INFORMATION
http://www.gazette.net/links/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GREAT MAGAZINES
www.AmericanCity.org
www.Panetizen.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE ART CENTER - TAKOMA PARK / SILVER SPRING CAMPUS
Center Events Calendar
Great list of events going on in Montgomery College - well worth checking out!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMERICAN FILM INSTITUTE
AFI.com/Silver
Calendar of the great film offerings coming up at this unique Silver Spring institution.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SILVER SPRING GREEN
http://www.silverspringgreen.org/
The newest community serving non-profit in Silver Spring, devoted to "all things green."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROUNDHOUSE THEATRE
Roundhouse.org
Our very own, local theater company with a broad repretoire of excellent plays by them and others.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SILVER SPRING HISTORICAL SOCIETY
http://silverspringhistory.homestead.com/
Full of fascinating info, including "why is the acorn a symbol of Silver Spring".
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTH SILVER SPRING
http://www.southsilverspring.org/
Great list of the mostly new)communities in the East/West & Ga. Ave. area.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SILVER SPRING VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
http://www.silverspringvfd.org/
News on fires (like the recent one at Nicaros); great historical pictures; and table detailing fire incidents.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WIKIMAPIA [must type in 'silver spring maryland' in 'search' box]
http://wikimapia.org

Do you have others? Thoughts? Ideas?... Please chime in... Become a 'follower' of this blog so you can get future postings!

PLEASE HELP US GROW THE LIST!

SSCB&VP Grand Opening - Seeking Input + Help

The date for the opening is set for Thursday, July 8th, coinciding with our first of six summer concerts (starting at 7pm.) Our opening of the facility will also include honoring our veterans and the dedication of Veterans Plaza.

But we need your ideas; and we need you!

Please come help us plan this unforgettable evening:
TUESDAY MAY 11, 7pm
Roundhouse Theatre Educational Center
Wayne Street Garage

Come ready to share what you'd like to see for the opening; and come ready to offer how you'd like to help... We are counting on you!

Many of you have already provided wonderful advice and guidance in the various sessions and meetings we've had recently... And to you we say "thanks!"

NO need to wait till next Tuesday! PLEASE CHIME IN HERE BY LEAVING A COMMENT! - And become a follower of this blog to get future postings.

Blogging Away in Silver Spring

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.

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.

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!

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.]