The fabric of our county, our country

(10/2024) Woodsboro was founded in 1786 by Joseph Wood (1743-1800). Our little town was built along ancient footpaths, growing with the country into a home to generations. Home school to public school, local business and churches that fostered the community found in small towns. Human migration and trade grew by traveling roads started from trails worn into the earth by native Americans, becoming dirt roads for settlers with their horses and wagons. Railroads appeared for early mass transit. The horse and buggy fell out of favor, making way for our beloved automobiles—mini-fiefdoms on wheels.

Our nation thrives on healthy competition in business and sports. A century of Woodsboro’s Rosebud Salve is testament to ingenuity, product loyalty and good old fashioned hometown pride. No doubt more than a few folks from Woodsboro would buy no other salve over the years.

Woodsboro and Walkersville have a blend of everything that makes neighbors into a community. Our children attend the feeder schools, graduating together from Walkersville High School. We have locally owned businesses that make buying local part of daily life. We are close enough to Frederick to get all the Big City Stuff we desire, but having hometown merchants and great schools makes this a Community.

Trout’s Market, on Main St. in Woodsboro, is a priceless asset for our towns. It has been here over sixty years, nourishing us everyday, and saving dinnertime on super busy workdays. Trout’s as a small, full service grocery store is a lifeline for many resident’s who don’t have a vehicle to get to distant grocery options. Over the years we have had many friends from around Frederick County come to Trout’s because of its personal feel, and the dependable selection seafood, meat and vegetables. Communities all over the country are losing the businesses that hold them together, and grocery stores are particularly vulnerable. Our grocery store supports us in this community, and it takes us to support our grocery store.

Our country is built on small communities woven together by our needs. Countries fray when a few poor leaders convince the public to feel threatened, taken advantage of by "those people" from "somewhere else". Just ask anyone from Springfield, Ohio. (I have yet to hear any Republican from Maryland denounce—UNEQUIVOCALLY—the false claims about pet eating or any other raving claim made by current GOP leadership.)

In our public schools there is a fraying of trust between the grownups. We each have our own story and perspective—teacher, current student, a parent of a student, or our childhood as a student. The Special Education Department is uniquely delicate, trying to navigate the needs of students and concerns of parents. All of us in that arena have a steep daily learning curve when it comes to communication challenges, such as with a nonverbal child.

On the ballot in the general election are candidates who have built their careers on understanding how leadership impacts communities and trust. Each understands that education and community together form the backbone of any town, county or country. Education brings access to information, inspires curiosity, and advances our problem solving and critical thinking skills. Our community connections deepen with opportunities to understand other perspectives. A strong economy depends on an educated public with a sense of community. Each of these candidates understands that education and community are the path to, and inspiration for, the resilient economy and society we have.

Angela Alsobrooks. US Senator. angelaalsobrooks.com

"Angela firmly believes that the investments made into the education system reflect the value society places on its children and how these children feel valued by their community."

As County Executive, "Angela spearheaded the construction of 10 new schools in Prince George's County, accomplishing this feat with the help of a public-private partnership (P3) model that can deliver schools 10 years faster and at a cost of 15-20% less without the need to raise new taxes."

April McClain Delaney, MD 6th Congressional District. aprilmcclaindelaneyforcongress.com

"April supports the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which makes critical investments in Maryland’s public education by increasing funding for public schools, expanding access to pre-K, addressing resource disparities, and applying new standards for college and career readiness. Once elected, April will work with state leaders to ensure Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is fully funded, so our public education system continues to have the critical resources it needs."

Janie Monier, Board of Ed. Candidate. janiemonier.org. Has a comprehensive approach to supporting Parents, Families, and Teachers that includes real improvements to education such as managing class size, and funding the staff and resources to achieve realistic goals.

Chad King Wilson, Sr. Board of Ed. Candidate. chad4boe.com

"… a 17-year veteran educator, coach, and educational activist with a background in Special Education, Social Studies, and Alternative Education programs…

Mr. Wilson believes that every child should have access to an inclusive, diverse, world-class education that is, as Nelson Mandela stated, "the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.""

Josh Bokee, Board of Ed. Candidate. joshbokee.org

"…All students deserve to be challenged, encouraged, supported and presented with opportunities that lead to success"

Lest we forget the top of the ticket, kamalaharris.com

Kamala Harris, whose career path is illuminated by battles she won to keep our communities safe, and our economy and personal finances stable.

"…went up against predatory for-profit colleges and won — delivering a $1.1 billion settlement for students and veterans who got scammed."

Tim Walz, who has seen education and community from his many perspectives as a veteran, teacher, Congressman, Governor.

Yes we all want a strong country and economy, but it all starts with community. There is a real attempt to unravel the fabric of our communities, voting is the repair. When this election cycle is just too overwhelming, take a break and buy a nice meal or a snack at Trout’s. We are almost there.

2024 is the year of the vote. Please make yours count.