[RP TownTalk] What I like about Riverdale Park

[Roland Walker]

[sarah writes]
> Those are just a few that pop into my head. Add to my list - but
> remember - let's keep it positive!

Sarah's trying to be positive, but most of us aren't cooperating.

I'll add a very personal item to Sarah's list of things to love about
Riverdale Park.

As a man who always wanted children, but has been unable to have any,
I greatly value my relationships with the complete families of my
neighbors.  I am thankful for the small ways that I have been able to
participate, as a sort of uncle, in the lives of several children.

There are two families in particular (you know who you are) who have
for years welcomed me to the dinner table, and to the experiences of
learning to talk and walk and doing homework after school.  All this
even though I'm not exactly the most sweet and nurturing person.

I've even sat through some excruciating school concerts at a child's
request, for which I am nothing but grateful and moved.

R

On Dec 6, 2007 12:12 PM, Alan Thompson and Sarah Wayland <twacks at his.com> wrote:
> Sometimes we post about things that shock or surprise us, and forget
> to think about what we like about living here. I think it would be
> fun to compile a list of what we *like* about Riverdale Park.  If you
> want to fuss about something, or disagree, please start a separate
> thread with a separate title. I want this thread to be a list of what
> is good about our town.
>
> Here are some things that I like:
>
> (1) My neighbors. I have the most wonderful neighbors: They take care
> of me when I'm down, amuse me, chat with me, work with me, and
> generally make my life a lot more fun.
>
> (2) Our community events, including the Holiday Market, the Farmer's
> Market, Riverdale Park Day, and all the Recreation Board-sponsored
> events. There are more, I'm sure - add your favorites!
>
> (3) Our locally-run businesses that reflect our local character - the
> S&J, Old Town Pets, Dumms, the Little Giant, the Calvert House, Yoga
> Space, Franklin's, the Latino markets on Kenilworth (somebody help me
> here - I like them, but can't remember their names!)
>
> (4) The diversity! We've got it all here, and even though that's hard
> at times, it's also healthy! I mean diversity in lots of realms:
> cultural, ethnic, architectural, careers, hobbies & special
> interests... what areas of diversity do you like? Add to my list!
>
> (5) Our proximity to Washington DC. Where else in the country do we
> have access to all these free museums? This doesn't differentiate
> Riverdale Park from other communities around the beltway, but it is
> something I love about living here.
>
> (6) Public transportation options: Metro & MARC. This makes it easy
> if I don't feel like driving or parking downtown.
>
> (7) Our proximity to the University of Maryland. There's so much the
> University has to offer - we just need to take advantage of it.
> Something I've really been amazed by is the high quality of the
> music, dance, and theater productions at the Clarice B. Smith
> Performing Arts Center.
>
> (8) Our town government. Our mayor, council, administration, police &
> public works departments work hard to keep our town a fun, safe, and
> attractive place to live. I'm really grateful to each of them for
> their hard work. None of them have an easy job - other threads on
> this list are testimony to how tough it is - but they devote their
> time and energy to our town, and I, for one, am really grateful to them.
>
> Those are just a few that pop into my head. Add to my list - but
> remember - let's keep it positive!
>
> -Sarah
>
>
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