Its amazing how you can solve problems with a little bit of syrup.
So outside of my house is this ugly green BGE above groud power box that before I moved in was a popular hangout for the entreprenuers. This was actually near the scene in one of my first entries I spoke about "barking" on one of the entreprenuers telling him "not in front of my house". Well, I've noticed that when I'm not around that people still mill there. Your logical question is "well Timm how do you know they were there if your not?" My answer, trash.
Now for the last 8 months I've told people that I have caught on or near the box that I don't care if they are purely hanging out there but, if they got trash put it in the trash can that is sitting right next to my house. Has that happened? No, and it has really been trying my patience. So, last Monday morning I came back from a trip to NJ and found just all sorts of chips, cigarette wrappers, plastic bags, snickers wrappers, and I flipped.
Now it was 330am and I needed to be in the office by 8am but, I didn't care. I got back in my car and drove to the 7.11 and bought some good old Aunt Jemima's syrup, brought it back and emptied it all over the box. You know what? Nobody has sat there all week.
Now, logic would tell anybody that it was probably me that did it. Well, I am telling you I did it. I've put it out to the public it was me, yeah I'm leaving a fingerprint on purpose. I live here. The shot clock is ticking. Entreprenuers need to start investing in some emerging markets like Randallstown, or Owings Mills, or down the Eastern Shore, because Clay Street days are numbered.
Who's with me?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
12 comments:
You know what I'm loving the quiet vigilante too!
Keep on keepin' on...In with the new and out with the old.
Ha ha, I wouldn't quite characterize myself and my actions as that of a vigilante but, yes an action against the negative flow. Something to begin to stem the tide. Couple small actions like these with more forward thinking initiatives and we can pull this neighborhood back to glory.
Yo, this is Tim's old roomate from B'more, Red. I know firsthand about his "ventures" to so-called take back the neighborhood. I can just picture this guy now with some syrup pouring it over the box. Who knows if he'll ever share the first story that relates to this event but, if he ever does, you won't be sorry. It is a hysterical story. It's funny what living in B'more can do to a man from dirty jerz. Really, you think you've got it all together and that you know yourself and you have this "grip" on life. Then, you move your pale butt 2 blocks from MLK Blvd and think you're going to change the world... wait a minute... we kind of did on that night!! LOL
RED DOG! Whats good? Good look on stopping by the blog. Those Baltimore days were certainly a training ground for these Clay Street experiences. I don't quite think the people are ready for the Bmore stories though, we may have to wait a little while before getting into the details. Not sure the statute of limitations is up on all that! Hahahahahahaha!
My cousin who lives down bywater uses fish grease.
How about getting the scum arrested as opposed to moving them into other areas?
Big Red,
I was born & reared in Annapolis and now I live in Atlanta, GA. Your Clay street experience will be one that you will never forget! I guess my first question is...once you got rid of the people what other situations did you inherit?
It seems that the ole Syrup would have made room for rodents, ants and other unwanted aninmals who were looking to enjoy the syrup.
The 4th ward is a place that can & will be changed by the grace of God.
I lived on Monument Street for several years and I too learned to keep the area and the people respecting me & my children. You can do this also but all that I ask is that you don't make a mochery of those who are still dealing with the hardships of life.
If you are there to make a change in the 4th Ward do it for yourself and for the ones who you come across everyday who are there.
A concerned Annapolitan for life!
WHAT NO COMMENT ON ANNAPOLITAN 4 LIFE? TRUST ME TIM ITS GOING 2 TAKE MORE THAN YOU AND SYRUP 2 CHANGE CLAY STREET
Sorry my man honestly didn't see the comment. With regards to it taking much more than syrup, you are absolutely correct. That is why you will see my emphasis is on finding ways, new ways, to help the community back here grab itself up. There is amazing opportunity to be had for everyone that is back here.
First, its going to take a lot more than just me. Its going to take people like you too Big Red, who can be active participants whether from the outside or inside. Second, its going to take people talking and communicating like they haven't ever before. That is going to build trust.
With regards to the syrup bringing more unwanted problems, no that did not happen. Btw, I learned that trick from a community leader back here who had used it with some success previous. I can't claim the idea as all my own. The actions are mine.
Yes, I am here to work to help the 4th Ward as a whole. Work with me, give me some confidence.
Timm,
Thanks 4 answering my question with honesty and concern. I think that as a whole a change can take place in the 4th Ward. We must continue to realize that the dreams of many have been shattered by the system which has made it so hard for them to accomplish anything. I give no excuse for their actions but I do understand the dismay of the people.
If your intent is to help those who are living or hanging out in the ward then my hat goes off to you!
You have my respect and if there is anything that I can do from 700 miles away I will do.
Please remember that as Annapolis grows...it continues to push those who are less fortunate further away from a city that they grew up in. Some who are still there are stuck, while others remain stead fast and unmovable.
1 day at a time, 1 step at a time is all that you can do and while you are living on Clay street if you are able to change one life....you have done what you were called to do.
I recall a yound man who sat on the corner of West Washington and Clay everday that I came home from work. I made one statement to him and he changed his life. That statement was " do you know that you would be a better man if you would stop drinking". This young man has been sober for about 12 years now and he owns his own home off of Spa Road.
Timm, you can be a light in this neighbor hood, just continue to do the Right Thing.
By the way....I'm female and I was calling you Big Red. (smile)
Always ready to improve the condition of my people.
Annapolitan 4 life!!!
Whoops! My bad over here, as you know I had no idea. Thank you for the kind words.
I stand by one thing, that what I do be a reflection of what I'd like to see, positivity. My nickname is Timmy "Grins" because I have all my life smiled. I intend to kill with kindness. The high road is the only road worth taking.
The 4th Ward, there are a few alleys that still smell like Ella Fitzgerald, every so often you can still hear James Brown, this place has a magic that can come back and retain its old character. In my mind Clay Street is the coolest place in Annapolis, maybe in Maryland.
One day at a time, we will keep it moving.
Post a Comment