Reflections on Life - November 2015

It had been my intention when Lloyd and I flew off to Puerto Rico on November 5 for a 10 day holiday that this message would go out while I was away. Then there was Paris, and it simply didn't seem possible to send it out without some kind of acknowledgment of this global heart and spirit breaking tragedy. 

It was more than somewhat surreal that Lloyd and I were able to envelop ourselves in the natural beauty of the more remote coastal areas of this island as well as another much smaller island of Culebra off its northeast shore. Although we had been to Puerto Rico numerous times before, our last visit was almost 20 years ago when we took my sister Martha with us shortly before she died of leukemia in our home.

The lush greenery and countless creatures on land and in the beautiful turquoise sea served as a backdrop for the images embedded in our minds from TV of the hate filled carnage.  One quote from a young male Parisian stays with me: "They want us to hate. I will not hate. We must stand up and live. That is all."

When you think about it, isn't that all any of us can ever do in this precious life?

REFLECTIONS ON HOME IN COLUMBIA

During this autumn season, now that daylight savings has given way to standard time, I am increasingly aware that sunrise comes later each morning and sunset earlier each evening.  I can sense the change in season throughout my mind, body, and soul.

Behind our home are a few acres of undeveloped land surrounding a pond and bordered by tall trees that live between us and other homes. The setting sun moves behind those trees a bit earlier each day. Now that most of the leaves have fallen, the remaining rays are clearly visible. By the time my December 21^st birthday comes around, the last rays will be visible at 4:30pm. Each year on my winter solstice birthday, Lloyd

pens a brief poem on the theme of my bringing the light back. Gotta love that guy.

Brilliantly colored leafed trees have been visible from every window in our home.  Now they are virtually leafless. The pathways in the Middle Patuxent Valley, safe from the ubiquitous leaf blowers, are totally covered with fallen leaves, dry and crunchy on some days and rain sodden on others, creating a very different sensation underfoot as we take our

walks.  Cedar Lane and Little Patuxent Parkway sidewalks are periodically cleared of leaves, making our walks there quieter, though the silence continues to be joyfully broken by your beeps and honks, bringing a smile to our faces.

For twenty years my campaign committee held a picnic in one of the Cedar Lane Park pavilions.  Each year the number of attendees increased, and by the last few years people spilled out well onto the surrounding grassy parkland.  A constant at these picnics was a rousing and inspirational talk given by Congressman Elijah Cummings. Just this week, Lloyd and I were perusing a large album of photos taken at these picnics and other community events so generously prepared by our friend, Columbia photographer Ron Fedorzak.  To my surprise, many of my faithful supporters throughout my years in elected office asked when the “Liz picnic” would be held this year.  They expressed disappointment

when I responded that those picnics were over – gone with my many years in public office. I was moved by their emotion, and it served to remind me how fortunate I am that, much as I valued holding office, it

never became my identity.  I was Liz Bobo then, and I’m Liz Bobo now, in love with life.

Lloyd and I had great experiences recently at two Howard County restaurants that we have frequented for many years.  One was at Tersiguel’s on Main Street, Ellicott City. After we went to the county court house 22 years ago to get our marriage license, we walked down the hill to have a celebratory lunch.  Fernand sat us at the small table by the “renaud (fox)” stained glass window.  We have returned every tenth of October since, bar one when we were out of the country, to enjoy a scrumptious French meal at the same table. This year we were seated by Fernand’s son. When making our year’s travel plans we work around that date.  Guess it’s safe to say we love traditions.

The other was on November 5 when we went to Clyde’s to sit at the bar and get a great sandwich with a beer and wine for supper.  We started talking with three guys sitting next to us and learned that they had been original bartenders when Clyde’s opened on that same date in 1975. A delightful hour followed during which we shared countless wonderful stories about the early days of Columbia.  I think it’s safe to say that each of us is so grateful to have had that experience of Columbia in its early years and continue to hope that most of the original values instilled in us by our founder, Jim Rouse, will live on.

On Tuesday we leave for ten days in Puerto Rico. We will be staying in small towns and a small island offshore where we have visited several times before.  We love the people, culture, history, and beauty of this place on planet earth.

REFLECTIONS ON ZACH

In the ever expanding circle of interconnectedness surrounding Zach, I continue to be approached by people I have never met telling me how he has impacted their lives.

One day a few weeks ago I had two such encounters.  The first occurred in the morning at a coffee shop.  Lloyd and I had read the “Post” and “Sun” with our coffee, and he had left for the golf course. I stayed at the table reviewing my “to do” list for the day and quietly made a couple of calls on my cell phone.  The line of customers waiting to place their orders at the counter passed by my table.  Right after I completed a call

to someone my daughter had asked me to contact about the possibility of his helping with an event sponsored by the Zaching Against Cancer

Foundation, a young woman asked if I knew Zach. I replied that I am his grandma and asked how she knew him.  She responded that she worked at Camden Yards during the baseball season and saw many kids there wearing their foundation tee shirts and striking a Zaching pose. She had asked the kids what they were doing and learned Zach’s inspirational story through their response.  We had a nice warm talk in which she asked to be put on the foundation contact list and then we left the coffee

shop to continue our respective days.  After running a few errands I drove to pick up Zach’s sister, Julia, and go to lunch at outdoor Clyde’s on one of the last warm sunny days of autumn.  On the drive there I told Julia about my encounter with the woman at the coffee shop. The minute we got out of my car at the lakefront parking lot, a guy walking by called

out ,“Are you Liz Bobo?”  I said “yes” and asked who he was. His reply, “I’m a friend of Zach’s.”  Julia and I simply looked at each other. Neither of us recognized this man. Derek is his name, and he is about twice Zach’s age.  He said they had met about four years ago in a cash register line in an Ellicott City drug store.  After paying they continued to talk for several minutes until one of Zach’s friends from school came in and told them that the guys were waiting for him in their car. The two new

acquaintances kept in touch, occasionally having lunch together. Though I had never met Derek, Zach had told me about him. Both told me that they shared beautiful conversations about the wonder of life.

Julia and Zach’s dad, John, stopped by our home one evening recently. John had just returned from a weeklong hike along the Appalachian trail. A year ago he had covered an adjacent section of the trail, adding to the considerable distance he had hiked with Zach in previous years. One lesson he told us he had learned on last year’s hike was to pay even more attention to the weight of each item he carried with him. That included his relatively heavy leather wallet.  He decided to check in Zach’s room to see whether his wallet was lighter.  Turned out it was, though much more important, John found a halfsheet of paper folded in one of the compartments.  One side contained typed “promises” of legendary basketball coach, John Wooden, one of Zach’s heroes. Example:

“Promise yourself to be strong so that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.”   The other side of the paper has several quotes in Zach’s handwriting.  One:  “It is better to travel hopefully than arrive.” (Robert Louis Stevenson)  Another: “Looking back it seems to me all the grief that had to be left me, when the pain was over, stronger than I was before.” In my mind’s eye, I can so clearly see Zach pulling out this precious paper, which had obviously been folded and unfolded repeatedly, and reading it for sustenance and inspiration which he then in turn passed on to so many of us.  John let me make a copy which I now carry in my wallet.

On November 21 the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation will hold its annual Run/Walk at Turf Valley on Route 40. Lloyd and I have signed up for the 5K, I walking and he jogging (at least part of the way. Most of our family will be there, and Zach’s parents are hoping for a good turnout. This Foundation was Zach’s idea, and he led the first several board meetings sitting at the head of the family’s dining room table with the board members including two Centennial High coaches. Zach wanted to help other kids with brain cancer have the loving support he so experienced.  A friend whose kids go to Centennial recently told me that the halls of the school still ring with stories of Zach even though most of the kids in attendance there now never met him.

Go to “ZachingAgainstCancer.org” and come join us. We had a great time last year and would love to see you.

REFLECTIONS ON BALTIMORE, MY HOMETOWN Baltimore Sun 10/11/15 - D.Watkins for Mayor

Last month I wrote about former teacher now published essayist, D.

Watkins’ “searing dispatches from urban war zones.”  In a later edition of

“The Sun”The local writer lays out a plan for bettering Baltimore including

desegregating schools.

Baltimore Sun 10/25/15 - Brick by Brick

Baltimore looks to many benefactors to help rebuild, and perhaps inspire,

after April’s unrest

REFLECTIONS ON PUBLIC POLICY

Washington Post 10/30/15 -  Court:  NSA can collect phone data through

Nov.

Deep gratitude to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for its diligence and courage in pursuing this post 911 invasion of privacy issue. Security is clearly important, and it must be balanced with individual rights.

Washington Post 10/15/15 - Backlash builds against dominance of wealthy donors

Large campaign contributions are directly connected to the fact that such a large percentage of our nation’s wealth is held by the top 1% of our population.  I have to go with Bernie Saunders on this one.

REFLECTIONS ON OUR PLANET BEYOND THE U.S.

Seven years ago Lloyd and I took a magnificent vacation traveling through the Balkans. We travelled alone by train, bus, and ferry through Slovenia, Croatia, Boznia, and Montenegra.  The mountains and sea were exquisite, and all of the people warm and welcoming.  Yet the tension between the Croatians and Boznians was palpable.  In the mountain town of Mostar

big holes in the stone walls made by launched weapons remain in homes and other buildings.  These images arose as we viewed on TV the movement of the masses of refugees fro Syria, Afghanistan, and northern Africa migrating through this area.  It has been more than 20 years since the Balkan wars.  Now refugees from other repressed countries travel through this land where even now bitterness remain.

Yes, another interconnectivity note.  Zach loved to watch ESPN 30 for 30 videos and he liked me to watch some of them with him. One of his favorites was about two boys, one who grew up in Bosnia and another in Croatia.  They had been best of friends and each was the star on his high school basketball team.  Both moved to the U.S. and were drafted for pro teams.  Then their countries went to war and their long deep friendship turned to enmity.  Zach was moved beyond words that we humans are capable of such hatred.

A few days later, Lloyd and I drove to western Maryland to take Julia out for lunch.  Our waiter was from Croatia and very familiar with that particular 30 for 30 video.

Omnipresent interconnectivity.

Washington Post 11/9/15 – After 25-year wait, a democratic election in

Burma

Ponder the contrast between the fierce determination of peaceful Aung San Suu Kyi and her Burmese supporters to have an opportunity to cast their vote and our low voter turnout in the U.S.  Mindboggling.

Washington Post 10/26/15 – Lessons from up north by E.J. Dionne, Jr. “The Liberal Party landslide and the triumph of Justin Trudeau in Canada’s election …was a tonic for progressive economics and a cautionary tale for parties on the center-left lacking the courage of their

convictions.  Trudeau proved that voters understand the difference between profligacy and necessary public investment.”

I pray that we U.S. voters demonstrate the same understanding in 2016.

REFLECTIONS ON LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE

Our Pale Blue Dot – Astro physicist Carl Sagan https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wupToqz1e2g

The older I get, the more I believe that people are basically good. These two physicists, one astro and one quantum, contributed greatly to my developing that belief. Another immediate example of the ever widening circle of inter-connectivity manifesting itself in my life on this earth: I am typing this on November 9 and just read that today is Carl Sagan’s 81st birthday.  Lloyd is 81.

Quantum Physics & Creativity -  Quantum physicist, Hans-Peter Dürr and

Deepak Chopra 1/2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIKgldFGPe0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymsCpeN3UZE

Pools of sorrow, waves of joy

Are drifting through my open mind

Possessing and caressing me

Across the Universe

- Lennon and McCartney

Be well and love life.

~Liz

My July 2015 Newsletter:

Liz Bobo Reflections on Zach and Life Today marks six months since I completed 33 years in elected public office and the newly elected members of the Maryland legislature were sworn into office. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve for so many years and adjusted virtually immediately and quite easily to no longer holding public office. Lloyd and I were present in the balcony of the House of Delegates chambers in the Maryland State House in Annapolis to witness Eric Ebersole, Terri Hill, and Clarence Lam take the oath of office and assume the role of representing Legislative District 12. I was aware of deep gratitude of their willingness to take on this major responsibility in our democracy. Many of you have asked me, some more than once, what happened to my oft repeated commitment to continue my monthly e-newsletter. Clearly I have not done so for six months now. My answer - wisdom directed me to do otherwise. I determined it wise to limit my role during that first legislative session during which I did not hold office to mainly that of an observer, albeit a quite vested one. Given the numerous changes in Annapolis, I thought the session went quite well. Clearly revenue sources will be a central issue throughout the next four years. I have been spending my time catching up with friends of all ages, some new and some of long standing, travelling (mostly with Lloyd), and focusing on my meditation practice. Last week I participated in my tenth annual weeklong silent retreat at a center in the rolling farmland outside Richmond, Virginia. It is led by a Buddhist monk named Shinzen, though the focus is not religious. I am aware of the depth of the impact with peaceful mindfulness and am so grateful to my friends David Glaser and Judy Vogel for "putting me on to it" ten years ago. What a blessing. Virtually every day that we have been home here in Columbia, I have walked 3.5 miles, often with Lloyd, Sometimes we walk out our back door and down Swansfield Road to the magnificent Middle Patuxent Valley, for which our beloved Jim Rouse donated thousands of acres. We have watched it change from winter snow covered hills through the newly spring green to the current lush summer foliage. Other times we walk out our front door and down Cedar Lane to Little Patuxent Parkway around the Clary's Forest "loop road" and back. Many of you have "honked" as you drove by us in your vehicles. Keep on honking! So today I resume what I plan to be a monthly communication of my experiences and observations of the impact of public policy - local, state, national, and international- on the lives of we humans and our planet. Although not a religious communication, it will include my observations on the impact of major religious leaders such as the Dali Lama and Pope Francis, who currently speak to me as truly, clearly, and courageously as anyone about the needs and conditions of our planet. In the past months, I have given thought to doing some other form of writing about my combined spiritual and public policy journey. I have been gratified and humbled by the suggestions and offers of editing assistance that I have received from professional writers and journalists. I focused on this prospect during some of the "sits" on my recent retreat. I look forward to continuing to share this amazing life with all of you. Reflections on Zach March 11 marked an entire year since Zach took his last breath on this earth. On that day Lloyd and I were riding along the ridge of the Andes and in the Sacred Valley adjacent to Machu Picchu in Peru. At about 3:30 our tour bus stopped at a walled-in village of indigenous peoples who raise their own food, weave their own clothing from alpaca, and sell their products to groups who have attained approval to visit inside. About 14 of us entered the walls and received demonstrations of weaving and cooking. I told Lloyd that at 4pm I was going to step outside the gate, and I did. I sat on the knoll of a bright green mountain and watched white clouds move swiftly through a deep blue sky. I noted 4:15 as the time Zach took his last breath. He was right there with me in the magnificent Andes. You probably won't be at all surprised to know that I believe this cannot be simply a coincidence. Zach and I had many beautiful conversations about various spiritual traditions throughout the ages and around the world. I so benefited from his curious and reflective mind. Zach continues to be with me in spirit continually, particularly when I am outdoors looking at the night sky. (Venus and Jupiter have performed for us beautifully this month, reminding me of one of my favorite Hafiz poems "The Planets are Throwing a Party Tonight.") Lloyd and I have a small deck right off of our bedroom, and it is part of my bedtime ritual to stand out there with memories of Zach and all he taught me about how precious life is. "Come from love, not fear" was one of our favorite centering phrases. Since he departed this earth, I have been with him and the moon and stars and planets in Italy, Greece, Haiti, and more recently Peru, Ecuador, and Barbados. I so often recall the quote that Father Richard, my Mom's friend who serves life by heading a hospital, orphanages, and schools in Port au Prince, sent me shortly after Zach departed from this earthly life: "When we die, we lose neither our awareness nor our understanding. Rather our awareness becomes as wide as the sky and our understanding as deep as the sea." So Zach's spirit constantly encompasses his Mom, his Dad, his sister Julia, and all of his loved ones More than a few of my friends, and some whose names I do not know, have told me that they benefit by focusing on Zach when they are in times of pain and sorrow. I believe it's a good idea to include times of joy. The 2015 New Year's edition of the Baltimore Sun included "remembrances" of eight individuals from the metropolitan area who had died in 2014. They were mostly men and women in their seventies and eighties who had made significant contributions to academia, government, business, or sports. Then there was Zach Lederer, age 20, whose "signature fist-pumping pose gave hope not only to those in medical situations, but also to those in life who had other problems. They had to think 'if he can do it, I can.' " And so it continues. You may be aware that the University of Maryland basketball team had a stellar season this year. Zach, who would have been a senior, had served as student manager of the team. His parents follow the team closely and attend the games when they can in seats set aside for them by the coach and team. During at least a few of the games recognition was given to the inspiration that Zach had and still does give to the team. That New Year's edition of the Sun also contained a list of "Most-Viewed Maryland stories for 2014". Of the eight "remembrances" of individuals, only one individual, Zach, was also included in the ten stories most-viewed on the internet. The more time passes, the clearer it becomes just how intentionally Zach developed his will to live his life with brain cancer in a way that would inspire and thereby help others. It brings to mind the Jackie Robinson quote he chose for his Centennial High School yearbook, a year before the discovery of his second brain tumor following the one he had as a younger boy "A life is not important except the impact it has on other lives." This spring another grandson, Patrick Knowles, graduated from high school in Montgomery County. Lloyd and I were present at the graduation. When the principal recited this same Jackie Robinson quote at the end of the ceremony, I knew Zach had found a way to be with his cousin at graduation. Patrick will be following Zach to the University of Maryland. Reflections on My Beloved Hometown, Baltimore I grew up in West Baltimore near the site of the Edmondson Village shopping center before it was constructed. I walked a mile down Edmondson Avenue to St. Bernardine's Elementary School. I used to walk with my Mom to catch the streetcar on this avenue and ride it to the Lexington Market in downtown Baltimore where we would buy our weekly meat and produce. By the time I went to high school, these trolley tracks had been torn up, and I would take the bus on the same route past the market to the intersection of Charles and Saratoga Streets, transferring to another bus northbound to Seton High school near the Baltimore Museum of Art about one mile from the intersection of Pennsylvania and North Avenues, the hub of the recent, tragic riots. Years later I would walk to that same market for a lunch of fresh seafood at Faidley's stall when I was a young mother and student at the University of Maryland School of Law. Shortly after the riots, Lloyd and I attended an outdoor program very close to this intersection where David Simon, prophetic creator of The Wire and The Corner, spoke to an audience of about 200 sitting on metal folding chairs. He had flown into town in short order and of his own accord to encourage people (us) to support Baltimore during this most difficult time. It is very important that we in nearby affluent Howard County heed his words. A few weeks later, I and three long time women friends from Columbia drove in to Center Stage in Baltimore to see a performance of "Marley" . This production, which had record attendance for the venue, drew a packed house of human beings of all shapes, sizes and colors who virtually "brought the house down" while up on their feet singing Bob Marley's magnificent songs at the end of the performance. There are possibilities for moving beyond this violence, and we must all be a part of the healing. News Articles Washington Post "A Crusader's Quiet Farewell" I very rarely describe a human being as a "hero". I reserve that term for those who habitually demonstrate courage in the face of personal harm and for the benefit of the greater good. For many years Bill Moyers has been one of my heroes. This Post article covers some of his many contributions to protecting our rights in a democracy. I find the closing paragraph quoting Moyers particularly poignant: "I've lived long enough to see the triumph of zealots and absolutists, to watch money swallow politics, to witness the rise of the corporate state. I didn't drift. I moved left just by standing still." And so it is, Bill. http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/bill-moyers-signs-off--for-the-final-time-he-swears/2015/01/01/1c641bac-9118-11e4-a412-4b735edc7175_story.html Financial Institutions I am so grateful that Maryland's Attorney General Brian Frosh is demonstrating the courage to take on the injustice so evident in our financial institutions. We clearly have a need for many more like him in our nation. http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-md-frosh-everest-20150618-story.html Taxpayers have bail big banks out http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/we-bailed-you-out-and-now-you-want-what/2015/06/05/95ba1be0-0a27-11e5-95fd-d580f1c5d44e_story.html Wall Street http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/when-wall-street-offers-free-money-watch-out/2015/07/10/11452e6e-2583-11e5-b72c-2b7d516e1e0e_story.html The Pope, The Dali Lama, and Burma's Aung San Suu Kyi The follow three articles reflect my opening paragraphs on the possibilities of major positive impacts by those in religious positions. Though the Burmese leader does not hold a religious position, she had endured long suffering through meditation to benefit her country. Dalai Lama http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dalai-lamas-birthday-underscores-tough-road-ahead-for-tibet/2015/07/05/64d7a716-20ef-11e5-84d5-eb37ee8eaa61_story.html Dalai Lama article http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/dalai-lama-getting-his-second-wind/2015/07/10/02cfe2e4-26b8-11e5-b77f-eb13a215f593_story.html The Pope http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-pope-the-saint-and-the-climate/2015/06/17/2087095e-1531-11e5-9518-f9e0a8959f32_story.html Burma  http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/burmas-fragile-transition/2015/06/16/56bd4746-1463-11e5-9518-f9e0a8959f32_story.html Prize-Winning Author Chabon Returns to His Beginnings Sometimes the words of a inspiring masterful author can help us appreciate our Newtown of Columbia, particularly when he grew up here and is the grandson of our beloved founder, Jim Rouse. http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/arts/bs-ae-author-chabon-20150418-story.html The Right to be Free from Guns Freedom from guns seems so distant when we read daily of more and more gun violence in Baltimore. We must hold on to the real possibility that we can attain this freedom. This effort will take all of us. We in Maryland are blessed to have Vinnie de Marco leading us with his compassionate wisdom. http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-right-to-be-free-from-guns/2015/06/24/0e2d8d04-1a8c-11e5-bd7f-4611a60dd8e5_story.html Liz

Autumn has arrived.

On the last evening of summer Lloyd and I invited the immediate neighbors from our cul-de-sac to visit our home for refreshments. We printed up a handout with the dates and times of upcoming magnificent performances by the moon, planets, and stars for the remainder of the year 2015.  It gets quite dark in our little area, providing a good opportunity for great viewing.  I included on the paper a poem: "Autumn is another spring, when every leaf is a flower." (Albert Camus)  In an ever expanding circle of interconnectedness, Katerina, one of our granddaughters, said when she looked at the handout "I'm studying Camus in class now" at Wilde Lake High.

On our walks we observe more and more dry crunchy fallen leaves underfoot, particularly on the hilly paths off the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area.  Mentioning our walks, I cannot fail to tell you how we continue to get such a kick out of the "beeps and honks" from an increasing number of you along Cedar Lane and LPP.  What fun, and I so love fun!

Lloyd has hung two new hummingbird feeders outside our kitchen windows - one over the sink and one beside the table where we eat most of our daily meals.  Over the 23 years that we have been living together in our townhouse, we have had numerous such feeders which rarely attracted hummingbirds.  These two new feeders are very small - about four ounces - and the humming birds really love them.  We get so much pleasure watching these tiny winged creatures.  In Ecuador last spring we visited a hummingbird sanctuary swarming with hundreds of birds in a screened-in area of about 30' by 30'. Some lit on our hands and stayed for 15 minutes or more.  I experienced an awareness of feeling so profoundly trusted.

As sponsors of the legislation that created the Howard County Arts Council over thirty years ago, Lloyd and I are so gratified to see the arts continue to thrive in our community.  The quality of concerts, theater, and the visual arts is truly stunning for a community of our size, and we attend the performances and exhibitions frequently.

When I was a five year old first grader at St. Bernardine's Elementary School in West Baltimore, I played the role of Mary in a nativity scene in a school Christmas play.  Some of the kids said I was chosen because my older sister, Martha, had entered the order of nuns, Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM), who taught at the school.  My mom, of course, differed and believed it was pure talent that landed her youngest daughter the pivotal role  At any rate, that nativity scene uncharacteristically elicited much laughter from the mostly parental audience because I could not keep my veil from slipping off of my head and had to keep reaching down to the floor, on which I was kneeling by Joseph and the infant doll in the crib, to return it to its rightful place.  I have never performed on stage since, though in later elementary school years as a member of the choir I was occasionally pulled out of class to go next door to the parish church and sing solo in Latin from the choir loft at a funeral mass.  My mom opined that I was chosen because I had perfect pitch, though, alas, years later we learned that the nuns said I was the only kid in the choir loud enough to fill the entire church from the loft. Fast forward to the present and the upcoming next segment in October of the Columbia Festival of the Arts.  I received a call from Valerie Lash, Dean of Arts and Humanities at Howard Community College (HCC), whose energy and  talent serves our community so beautifully through Rep Stage and other venues, asking me to play a small part in one of the productions of the Festival.  So after almost 70 years I will be back on stage along with other familiar faces from our Columbia community.  Come see us on October 4 at 3pm at the community college, and please pray that  my veil stays put.

Rehearsal went great last week, and the director, S.G. Kramer, said I delivered my modest lines beautifully! 

Culture and the arts are thriving throughout HCC under not only Valerie, but others such as Tara Hart and Helen Mitchell.  I recently attended the Rep Stage production of  Baltimore Waltz.  Magnificent!  Jim Karantonis is a friend who has volunteered and given me some guidance on my writing-very helpful and energizing.  Jim describes himself as a story teller.  I have heard him deliver one of his "stoop stories" at HCC.  Last week at a performance of the HCC Arts Collective, he read "The Prize" a true story from the psych wards during the Viet Nam War.  I was truly bummed out when I had to leave before his reading. Jim sent me the radio recording of this piece which he describes as "my small way to remember the soldiers."

REFLECTIONS ON ZACH

I continue to hear from people, some of whom I don't know, about how their lives are being inspired by Zach and the way he lived his precious, though brief, life. I am including a message I received recently from Jerry Krasnick, a long time friend here in Columbia.

"I went camping a few months back, and I was hiking a mountain that had some tough challenges for me.....my MS is getting worse, so it's difficult to hike steep inclines.....anyhoo....I got near the summit and was contemplating giving up and going back down.......I thought of two people that always had the attitude of "never give up,"  my mother and your grandson Zach.

I made it to the top.

Love & Peace,

Jerry

Last week, Zach's sister, Julia posted on Facebook, continuing his family's dedication to keeping his beautiful, indomitable spirit alive.  And alive it is.

"#tbt with my bestfriend, miss you more than anything"

On November 21, the annual Zaching Against Cancer Foundation will hold its second(?) annual run/walk at Turf Valley on Route 40.  Lloyd and I have signed up for the 5K, I walking and he jogging (at least part of the way).  Most of our family will be there as well, and Zach's mom, my daughter, Chris, expects a good turnout.  This foundation was Zach's idea and he led the first several board meetings sitting at the head of their dining room table with board members including two Centennial High coaches among others.  Zach wanted to help other kids with brain cancer have the loving support he so experienced.

Go to "Zaching Against Cancer.org" and come join us.  We had a great time last year and would love to see you.

REFLECTIONS ON BALTIMORE

I am so encouraged to read in the Baltimore Sun that the University of Maryland Law School from which I graduated is offering a course on Freddie Gray exploring "the legal and social challenges that surrounded Gray's life and death, and continue to fuel the distrust between police and the community in many poor and minority neighborhoods-challenges of housing, policing, education, violence, unemployment and health care."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/education/bs-md-ci-freddie-gray-class-20150903-story.html

Regarding violence, the following Baltimore Sun editorial, makes a point about guns in our communities that we simply must grasp:  "To stop the city's rampant gun deaths, we must remain appalled by them."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-homicides-20150903-story.html

"The Beast Side: Living (and Dying) While Black in America", a series of essays by former Baltimore City middle school teacher, D. Watkins, was released in September. D. grew up in Baltimore's east side.  His publisher describes the essays as "searing dispatches from urban war zones."  I grew up in Baltimore as well, on the west side.

Brutal as some of these essays are, I believe they can help us understand what we must do to revive this city as a place where all human life is respected and valued.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/arts/bs-ae-d-watkins-beast-side-20150905-story.html

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/arts/bs-ae-d-watkins-review-beast-side-20150911-story.html

           

MARYLAND PUBLIC POLICY

After several years of failed attempts, Maryland adopted the "Medical Marijuana Law".

I was a co-sponsor.  During the past year, much deliberation has taken place on the most advantageous method to administer this new law in a way that provides the most benefit to those who want it to ease the symptoms of various diseases and addictions while at the same time preventing harm and abuse.  Having prepared and adopted clear and strong guidelines, the state is now accepting applications for the first round of licenses to administer this law.

One application is from a consortium led by Blaise Connolly Duggan, a Columbia resident and graduate of Wilde Lake High School, who is now the director of the Penn North Drug Addiction Treatment Center in downtown Baltimore located in the center of the recent riot area.  This center, founded by Blaise's parents, Bob Duggan and Dianne Connolly has been operating for years as the only on demand drug treatment center in downtown Baltimore - show up at the door and you get treated.  You may have to come in and wait a while, and you do get treated.  The  center has received very high marks from the judicial system in the city for the low rate of recitivism in its clients.  Since the recent riots, the center has also provided food and activities for the area's kids.

There are several other Wilde Lake grads are on the consortium's board with Blaise.  I will be working with them.  Stay tuned.

Lloyd and I recently attended the memorial service for Richard Israel at St. Anne's Church right on the circle in Annapolis.  Richard had worked for years in the Maryland Attorney General's Office.  He provided excellent legal guidance to me on various controversial bills I sponsored over the years.  Richard was an attorney who truly loved and respected the law.  Several years ago, he left that office and ran a successful campaign to serve as one of Annapolis' Aldersmen.  He brought his love and  respect for the law and good public policy to that arena for several years. 

Richard was a brilliant, principled man who also had a marvelous sense of humor. A few years ago he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.  The way in which he lived with this disease which spares little in those who live with it was exemplary.  He inspired so many of us.

Then during the last legislative session, Richard performed what I believe may have been the best work of his life.  He voluntarily served as the human face for the "Death with Dignity Bill."  He did not get the benefit of this legislation at his life's end because it did not pass the legislature.  I'm certain that his courageous and life-loving example moved this public policy closer to being in law for others of us who hope to have its benefits available to us  at the end of our lives.

Thank you, Richard.

NATIONAL PUBLIC POLICY

Recently I read through the e-newsletters I have sent out during the past two years.  I was surprised to see that in virtually every one I had mentioned Pope Francis in one way or another.  Clearly there was something about this human being that caught and held my attention. 

When the Pope addressed Congress, I was on the lawn with thousands of others.  The simplicity and directness of his words stood out along with the softness of his voice and facial expression.  In my case there was agreement with the large majority of his points on public policy.  His ability to give voice to very strong positions with a gentle voice is something I want to learn.

Watching many of Francis' other appearances and listening to his talks on TV, I saw love show up on the faces of so many of his listeners, some of whom more frequently wore frowns and some who had expressed contrary public policy positions.

How many times during his visit to the U.S. did Francis say "Remember to pray for me. Don't forget." What a beautifully simple and effective way to get us to bring forth his presence and his message.

In his presence, I experience hope.

BEYOND THE U.S

I recently had a long cup of tea with Mike Clark, co-publisher of the literary periodical, Little Patuxent Review, and a former reporter with the Baltimore Sun who covered me when I served as a Howard County Councilmember and County Executive.  He had offered me some guidance with my writing skills, and I took him up on it. (A few years agoMike helped me organize my thoughts for a talk to a local congregation on public service and spirituality.)  Our conversation over tea ranged from our spiritual perspectives to world events, particularly the Syrian refugee crisis.  I told Mike that in the midst of all of this tragedy, I found some beauty and justice in the juxtaposition of Hitler and Germany's current Chancellor, Angela Merkel, one of the strongest advocates for these refugees.  Could there be a clearer contrast with Hitler? The next day Mike sent me his profile of Merkel.  (I am beginning to think I may appear to  be practicing fabrication, and yet it's true, I just this minute received a message from Mike forwarding me an interview with Pope Francis which has not received wide distribution. Note that we have not collaborated on the use of the work "interconnectedness".)

"Liz-  Angela Merkel, research scientist who grew up in communist East German,  turned German political leader:

Merkel represents the efficacy of maternal wisdom in social policy.   Maternal wisdom reflects the  sensitivity for children, family and community.  It sees the body politics in these terms as fundamental to society.  You can imagine her feelings when she saw the photos of the drowned Syrian child and how it touched the essence of what was an unfilled destiny of that child--and how Germany itself--besmirched by the horrors it caused in WWII and the holocaust--can find liberation and renewal by opening its arms.  Maternal wisdom  re-energizes a graying German society with immigrants seeking opportunity and it re-defines what it means to be a German offering hope rather than violence and death implied in the uber race consciousness of the Nazis and the rigid thought control of the Communists.  Maternal wisdom helps with the transitions essential to social mobility, creativity and opportunity.  it defines social policy as

an extension of family and community and sees the value in our inter-connectedness.

Mike"

*************************************************************************************************

Pools of sorrow, waves of joy.

Are drifting through my opened mind

Possessing and caressing me.

Across the Universe  Lennon and McCartney

*************************************************************************************************

~Liz

GREETINGS from HOME in COLUMBIA

Lloyd and I continue to take our daily 3+  mile walks.  When walking on the pathways in the Middle Patuxent Valley, we now notice a bit of dried brown foliage creeping in among the lush green - to everything there is a season. When walking on the sidewalks of Cedar Lane and the Little Patuxent Parkway loop road through Clary's Forest we continue to get "honks" from some of you and others.  A few of you have seen me in the grocery store, dry cleaners, or a restaurant and greeted me with "I'm one of the honkers." I love our Columbia community!

Now that seven months have passed since I no longer hold public elected office, I am grateful, happy, and slightly surprised at how smooth and easy the transition has been.  Lloyd and I are loving our time in our beloved community of Columbia, enjoying our time with family, reconnecting with old friends and traveling around our state, country, and planet.

There has been one somewhat rough spot in this transition.  I have never fully realized how much I depended on various staff members in my office over the years to keep my calendar straight.  I occasionally find that I have  made errors in dates, times, locations.  With help from one of our granddaughters, Katerina, I am improving. To those with whom I've missed a date or time, my apologies. I feel bad about these missteps, though they are few and far between...  Bear with me.  I'm improving.

When I served as Howard County Executive in the 80's, historic preservation was one of my priorities. As a result we preserved and restored several properties in downtown Ellicott City, the old firehouse and the Thomas Isaac log cabin on Main Street among them. Recently I took a walking tour of historic Ellicott City led by the director of the Ellicott City Historical Society.  He did a great job which I particularly appreciate since I served as a walking tour guide there myself during the celebration of the Ellicott City Bicentennial in 1976.  Recently I was deeply gratified to learn that I will be this year's recipient of the Senator James Clark Lifetime Achievement Award for Historic Preservation in next month at Waverly Mansion on Marriottsville Road.  This is another of the structures for which I collaborated with Jim Clark to preserve when I was County Executive.  The award will be presented by an organization founded by Mary Catherine Cochran more that 20 years ago, Preservation Howard County, now chaired by Fred Dorsey.  I served as one of the first members of this board which works to preserve our local history for future generations.  Numerous threads woven together here.

Speaking of Jim Clark, one of our biggest joys of summer is to stop by the Clark's farm roadside vegetable and fruit stand.  Tomatoes and corn on the cob are our favorites.  The farm is now lovingly tended by Jim's daughter, Martha, and her family.  She also fosters serving local produce by local restaurants and held a great event on their farm this summer to support and promote those restaurants.  Thank you, Martha. Yummy!

Recently I attended the memorial service for Columbia artist, Wes Yamaka, who with fellow artist John Levering, graced our community with the exquisite gallery, " The Eye of the Camel" near Oakland Manor.  The Levering print of birds which hung above the entrance to this gallery now hangs on the wall above the hallway of the entrance to our home, having been given to me by another early Columbia artist, potter Zelda Simon, not long before she died several years ago.  It was said at Wes' service that twenty years ago there was barely a home in Columbia that was not graced by at lease one of his exquisite prints featuring a quote of wisdom.  Sitting at my computer in my office, I can count four of them, one of which Lloyd gave me as a gift to hang in my Annapolis office.  It quotes the "Great Law of the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy - In our every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." Those words often helped me keep my priorities in order during my 20 serving in Annapolis.

REFLECTIONS ON ZACH

Last month Lloyd and I visited the Loring Cornish Gallery on Thames Street in Baltimore's Fels Point.  Zach and his parents came upon the artist and his gallery while out to lunch one day a couple of years ago.  They loved Loring's unique and bold creations and bought a large wall hanging depicting "Peace" in large glass pieces.  Having heard much about Loring from both Zach and his parents, we had been wanting to get down to is gallery for years.  Not surprisingly, we met in Loring yet one more soul whose life continues to be deeply inspired by Zachary and his indomitable spirit.  He has donated some of his pieces to auctions sponsored by the Zaching Against Cancer Foundation.  Turns our that the name of his gallery, "How Great Thou Art," was created by Zach's dad, John.

For the first week of August, Lloyd and I, our five kids, spouses, and seven grandkids went to Corolla in North Carolina and for the 18th year in a row stayed in the same beachfront house.  The first year there were only two grandkids, Zach and Julia.  Now the youngest of the seven are thirteen year old twins.  Of course they are all also much taller and not so easy to fit in  the house.  What a glorious time as we continue the spontaneous practice of eating all our meals in the house, with the exception of a Friday morning breakfast out for the "girls" - me, the five moms, and four granddaughters. Another tradition within a tradition.

During this beach week I take two daily roughly hour-long walks - one at 6am along the beach with my feet in the surf  where Zach and I walked for years (though I must admit I sometimes sleep in a bit and start a little later without him physically present).   In my mind while walking, I replay the stories he told me over our years at the beach - tales about Mohammed Ali and how with his rope-a-dope technique he served as a teacher for Zach in recovering after his first brain surgery at age ten.  Another favorite was a description of the manner in which legendary basketball coach, John Wooten, inspired his student players and Zach as well.  The other daily walk is with Lloyd around the flat streets in Corolla in late afternoon before we sit at 5 with our feet in the ocean drinking a beer and waiting to be summoned to dinner.  Zach would often come and sit with us for a bit. Whether on the beach, in the surf, on the deck of our beach house overlooking the ocean, Zach showed up in the waves,  sand, sun, clouds, moon and stars.  As last year, the grandkids commemorated his indomitable spirit with a human pyramid and Zaching pose on the beach.

I continue to meet new people who tell me of the impact Zach's story has had on their lives.  One recent one was the daughter of a long time friend.  In talking with her, I mentioned Zach's amazing spirit in dealing with physical pain.  She said that when reading about him, it had never occurred to her that that he had physical pain since he didn't mention it, much less focus on it. Now with this realization, she is more inspired than ever.

The Zaching Against Cancer Foundation, which Zach himself began with board meetings around his family's dining room table, continues to expand its work in helping kids who are living with cancer and their families.  His parents, Chris and John, and many others are carrying on Zach's determination to help make the lives of these kids and their families as good as possible.  Nothing is too big or too small to get their attention.

The Foundation continues to hold various events to promote its mission and celebrate Zach's beautiful spirit and life.  The next one will be a running festival at Turf Valley on November 21st.  Lloyd and I will be there and participating (I will be walking).  Come and join us.

You can learn more at the Zaching Against Cancer website.

http://www.zachingagainstcancer.org/events/

REFLECTIONS ON MY BELOVED HOMETOWN, BALTIMORE

In last month's message, I described my "plan to do a monthly communication of my experiences and observations of the impact of public policy  - local, state, national, and international - on the lives of we humans and our planet." I also want to put to use any wisdom I may have gathered on my combined spiritual and public policy.  Since then I have realized that Baltimore serves as a microcosm for many if not all of  them.  Social and economic justice (or injustice) in this city encompasses jobs, housing, guns, prisons, drugs and casinos.

In the past I have written a few times about my admiration for journalist/author/TV film director David Simon.  Lloyd and I recall his days covering Baltimore and Maryland for The Sun when we were in local office in Howard County.  It is very clear now how he sounded a warning bell for what is happening now in our neighboring city - insufficient resident jobs and housing in the midst of a sea of tax breaks for the more affluent. Simon was criticized strongly and virtually ostracized by those in power for his coverage in The Sun. I wrote once in an earlier communication a few years ago about a commencement address he gave at a major U.S. university eloquently and strongly calling the graduates to the dire need for them to become involved in their communities for the benefit of all residents. 

As we did last year, Lloyd and I attended this year's Baltimore Artscape which is held not far from the center of the recent riots.  The stars of Simon's HBO series, "The Wire" put on a free program in support of the city where the series was filmed.  Outside the Lyric theater hundreds waited patiently in line in record 90+ degree temperatures.  Inside there was standing room only with speakers including Freddie Gray's step-father. The highlight of my day was having my photo taken with "Bubbles." Streets outside were packed for blocks and blocks with people of all ages, sizes, and colors viewing the art booths and eating at the food booths. What a happy, peaceful, hopeful scene. We saw about a dozen others we know from Howard County.  There are so many possibilities for love to show up.  Those of us living in wealthier counties in the area must spread our boundaries of compassion and concern beyond our own county or city lines.  

'Wire' cast gives voice to West Baltimoreans

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-ae-wire-freddie-gray-20150718-story.html

'Wire' cast to lend voice to the unrest's unheard

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/tv/z-on-tv-blog/bs-ae-zontv-wire-reunion-20150716-story.html 

On Sunday night, after several virtually universally acclaimed TV series - The Corner, The Wire, Treme - Simon's six part TV series Show Me a Hero, set in Yonkers, N.Y., a medium sized

city about 20 miles north of Manhattan, debuted on HBO.  Once again, Simon, working with Bill Zorzi, another former Baltimore Sun reporter who covered Howard County government when Lloyd and I held local public office in the 80's, has outdone himself in portraying the fierce resistance to racial and economic integration in our cities' housing. He has become one of the most articulate, perceptive, courageous, chroniclers of the perils and tragedy of city life in the U.S. today.  He has gone so far as to catch the attention of the president as a sage on the troubles in our nation's cities.

Clearly Simon has caught the our president's attention.  Click below to view a video of Obama interviewing him about his perception of the condition of our U.S. cities, how we got here and what we can do to regain a more humanitarian approach

https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/03/26/watch-president-sits-down-creator-wire-talk-about-war-drugs?utm_source=email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=email448-text2&utm_campaign=simon

VARIOUS NEWS ARTICLES ABOUT BALTIMORE AND THE STATE OF U.S. CITIES

Some of you have told me that you love my e-newsletter, though you don't read the news articles included.  So no pressure, but I thought I would tell you why I include them.  These news articles help me in putting together that afore-mentioned monthly communication of my experiences and observations of the impact of public policy - local, state, national and international on the lives of we humans and our planet."  Also, since some of them are so well written, it seems only logical to make use of them verbatim, rather than paraphrasing.

Regarding Baltimore, I believe our Maryland city serves as a microcosm of conditions in many of our U.S cities.  Below are several articles dealing with social and economic injustice in the city encompassing jobs, housing, transportation, guns, drugs, casinos and prisons.  There is an interconnectedness among these various issues, just as their is among our cities. Without transportation residents cannot get to jobs.  Without jobs, they cannot pay for housing.  Without affordable housing they cannot pay even if they have a job. Addiction to gambling throws more into poverty.  Easy access to guns and drugs costs lives.  Prison conditions foster further gun and drug crimes.  Parole is only available to accused with considerable money.  Many accused without money are unnecessarily taking up prison space.....and on, and on, and on. Yet we look at Baltimore and ask "How could this happen?"

Why should we living in affluent Howard County care? Because we are all human beings and deserve a chance to live a life in peace and with dignity, and because we are impacted by our neighboring city's crisis.

JOBS / Transportation: CEO pay and Red Line

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-ceo-pay-20150805-story.html

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/bs-ed-transit-20150724-story.html 

Gun Violence   (I am so grateful to my friend, Vinny DeMarco for all the work he does promoting gun control legislation)

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-sensible-state-based-answer-to-gun-violence/2015/07/28/f779dc0c-113a-11e5-9726-49d6fa26a8c6_story.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/berettas-fight-to-arm-the-military/2015/08/07/d11d590a-349c-11e5-adf6-7227f3b7b338_story.html

Drugs

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-homicides-20150811-story.html

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-heroin-initiative-20150817-story.html

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-heroin-20150716-story.html

Prisons

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-justice-reinvestment-initiative-20150815-story.html

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-us-locks-up-way-too-many-people-that-could-change/2015/07/16/699b65a6-2bf0-11e5-a5ea-cf74396e59ec_story.html

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-obama-naacp-20150714-story.html

Casinos: Luring younger gamblers

http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-slots-millennials-20150724-story.html

BEYOND the U.S.

Peace Corps Volunteer

During the past year I have had the joy and blessing of getting to know Peggy Walton who, as described in the Columbia Flier article below, is returning to continue serving in the Peace Corps in her beloved Ukraine, despite severe political unrest.

Return home safely to us, Peggy.  We love you.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/howard/clarksville/ph-ho-cf-ukraine-walton-return-0723-20150721-story6.html

POPE FRANCIS

The two Washington Post articles below increase my hope and belief that Pope Francis may have the qualities to make a significantly positive impact on our planet.  The accounting of his life growing up in Buenos Aires makes clear why he is now such a compassionate and knowledgeable populist.  The anticipation of his appearance before our U.S. Congress is widespread throughout just about all sectors of society.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/you-cant-understand-pope-francis-without-juan-peron--and-evita/2015/08/01/d71e6fa4-2fd0-11e5-a879-213078d03dd3_story.html 

...and is it really any surprise at all that the Pope's popularity ratings in the U.S. have fallen due to those in our nation "who often disagree with Francis on the causes of environmental and economic problems"?

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2015/07/22/conservatives-significantly-driving-down-pope-francis-u-s-favorability/

NOTES:

Marriage Equality:

I end this communication with the following quote not simply because Lloyd and I have supported and voted at every opportunity since the 70's for the cause of equal rights which ultimately led to the recent Supreme Court affirming marriage equality but also as an example of  the possible art and beauty of the English language which we see all too seldom:

"IT WOULD MISUNDERSTAND THESE MEN AND WOMEN TO SAY THEY DISRESPECT THE IDEA OF MARRIAGE.  THEIR PLEA IS THAT THEY DO RESPECT IT, RESPECT IT SO DEEPLY THAT THEY SEEK TO FIND ITS FULFILLMENT FOR THEMSELVES.  THEIR  HOPE IS NOT TO BE CONDEMNED TO LIVE IN LONELINESS, EXCLUDED FROM ONE OF CIVILIZATION'S OLDEST INSTITUTIONS.  THEY ASK FOR EQUAL DIGNITY IN THE EYES OF THE LAW.  THE CONSTITUTION GRANTS THEM THAT RIGHT.  THE JUDGMENT OF THE COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT IS REVERSED.  IT IS SO ORDERED."

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy in the majority opinion

Thank you, Justice Kennedy

 LIZ