Only in Olney

Signs of the Times

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 02:22:00 +0000

Whew — we blew through another blustery day! I hope that no one lost electricity this time.

Before yesterday, the last extremely windy day we endured was Friday, March 2.

On Monday, March 4, one the Olney-Brookeville Exchange writer asked, “What happened to the Sherwood sign at the intersection? The frame is out and bent and the sign itself is pushed in. Was it a car, vandalism or the wind?”

Another writer quickly responded, “Don’t you think wind? Nothing else around it is damaged.”

Maybe nothing around the sign was damaged, but plenty of branches and debris were scattered on roads around Olney.

Sure enough, when I stopped at the Georgia Avenue-Route 108 traffic light, I saw this:

Indeed, wind was the winner.

Look at this poor sign from the sides!

Not far south of Olney on Georgia Avenue, I recently did a double-take when I saw this:

Was this gas price for regular gas too good to be true? Did the wind have something to do with the missing numbers? Probably not–the wind couldn’t have blown off the numbers because the sign is electric. Or maybe the sign just has a glitch on its own.

Darn, I wish my car used regular gas.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 18:02:00 +0000

Brrr! I keep waiting for these frigid days to pass but it is only early February. For a few months already, we've endured freezing temperatures and howling winds strangely punctuated by unseasonably warm (60ºF!) days. I run (well, walk) outside and witness many people out and about, taking advantage of the mild weather before we snap back into the cold.

Right now we are experiencing yet another cold snap. Always reading funny sayings on Adeptus Partners' sign while stuck at the traffic light at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Route 108, I found this statement from last month that still is appropriate now:

Well said! In past posts, I noted other thought-provoking and spooky sayings on Adepts Partners' signs. Keep your eye out for more.

A friend commented that we normally don’t dress for the weather, but wear just enough for running between our cars and offices or houses. But if you put effort into dressing for the cold (with long underwear, double socks, etc.), he believes you can find outdoor cold weather activities (like tailgating games, sledding, walking the dog) "fun."

This outdoor activity (in video) looks fun, but Olney hasn't been cold enough for this experiment to work. Believe me; I tried it.

What are People Reading These Days?

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 03:35:00 +0000

Avoid shoveling the snow, stay inside and curl up with a good book. Since March is National Reading Month, I want to highlight the Friends of the Library (FOL) Used Book Sale at the Olney library. Other volunteers and I sift through, organize and shelve donations from local residents. We receive and sell bestselling novels, nonfiction, popular children’s (preschool through teenage) books, even DVDs of recent movies – all for 50 cents to one dollar a piece!

A few years ago, I shared my unscientific observations of the Olney community based on donations to the MGH Women's annual used book sale. While working on FOL Used Book Sale, I've noticed trends in donations, including:

* Romance novels (Nora Roberts, Danielle Steele, etc.)

* Erotic romance (series like Fifty Shades of Grey, Bared to You, One Night Promised/Denied, Beneath This Man)

* Crime (James Patterson, Patricia Cornwall, etc.)

* Travel (guidebooks, foreign language phrase books, travelogues)

* Self-help/inspirational nonfiction (Chicken Soup for the Soul series, Eat, Pray, Love, etc. )

* Humor (Chelsea Handler, Mindy Kaling, Woody Allen, Dave Barry, etc.)

If this selection truly reflects readers’ tastes, Olney seems to be an escapist community, traveling through guidebooks, frothy romances, erotic tales, whodunnit mysteries, Zen/”finding oneself” memoirs or just good old-fashioned humor.

Visit the FOL Used Book Sale at the Olney library to find a bargain “staycation” … or at least to spy on what other people read.

Freecycle Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 03:41:00 +0000

I love Freecycle.org, which has an Olney group.

Do you ever find yourself cleaning out items (or unwanted gifts) in perfectly good (sometimes new-and-still-in-the-package) condition? Great for giving away unneeded items that can be used by others, Freecycle.org is convenient to use: just post any item to give away as an “Offer”, communicate directly with interested takers, and then leave it out on the front porch for pick-up. If you need an item, simply post “Wanted” and a description of your desired item.

While clearing out my parents’ home as they downsized to a smaller house, I found a butterfly taxidermy display.

I posted it on Freecycle.org and a science teacher claimed it; I was happy that the butterfly display (labelled with scientific names) was going to hang in a biology classroom instead of be hidden away in my parents’ closet.

Freecyclers can give away and request almost anything, like games, books, furniture, appliances, Safeway stamps, etc. I often see one Freecycler who just moved “Offer” boxes and bubble wrap and another Freecycler about to move “Want” boxes and bubble wrap. Offers of objects like a Walkman and VHS tapes of 80’s movies make me feel nostalgic.

Some offered items are quite popular and snapped up quickly. When I didn’t snag the “Offer” of Seinfeld DVDs or SNL’s 25th Anniversary DVD, I actually felt sad – over losing out on these free items!

My latest “Offer” – a heart-shaped bowl – almost become "bowel" because of a typo. I wonder who would have wanted a heart-shaped bowel?

Autocorrection Holiday Humor

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 15:53:00 +0000

The Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department truck with Santa brings everyone holiday cheer. Bonus merriment came courtesy of Christy Darrington on the Olney-Brookeville Exchange. While searching for Santa, she wrote, "We looked at the [Santa Truck] schedule -- f*** curious if anyone on here just had him visit recently?"

I read the message and thought, 'Huh? Did she just say what I thought?'

Another OBXer replied, "He came by McDuff and Cherrywood and Bar Harbor Place. What’s with the bad language?"

Christy sheepishly answered, "am SO sorry for the typo! I was voice texting/emailing... should have edited my email…!"

I (and at least one other OBXer) figured that the word "just" was autocorrected into "f***" and could not stop laughing. Others enjoyed many guffaws and shared similar autocorrect mishaps, like "My mom had the same thing happen today in a text to me, but let's just say it autocorrected to a certain part of the male body" and "I had autocorrect change 'asked' to 'died' ... Needless to say it prompted some strange responses!"

Have you experienced any embarrassing and funny autocorrections? If so, we'd love to hear them! Please write them in the comments box below. Spread the joy and Happy Holidays!

Food for Thought

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 14:33:00 +0000

Remember Adeptus' spooky sign message that appeared before Halloween? It looks like the person trapped in the sign escaped ... and a philosopher took over:

Shortly after the election, I noticed this new message while sitting at the Georgia Avenue/Route 108 traffic light. In terms of the election results, I guess there are no more hypothetical questions. No matter which candidate you voted for, all of the "what if's" are now "what is" or "what will be".

I love how the folks at Adeptus give those of us waiting in traffic food for thought. Speaking of food and traffic -- happy feasting and safe travels for a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The Dog Days are Not Over

noreply@blogger.com (Richy Slyon) — Fri, 04 Nov 2016 01:07:00 +0000

Everything changes when you get a dog. It's like having a newborn. Have to keep an eye on them. What are they up to? They need to be fed. You check and double check to see if and when they have to go potty. We adopted Lola almost a month ago. You'll be doing a lot of walking, I'm told. Yeah, I guess. Anything to add to my steps. Walking the dog is another experience. I'm just trying to avoid having her pull my arm off. No! Don't eat that. Then there's people. There's something about a seven month pup that changes people. Joggers come to a complete stop. People actually make eye contact and smile. More so at Lola than at me. They ask you questions while talking to her.
You're a cutie. Yes you are. How old is she?
Seven months. We just got her
Look at you! Who's a good dog? What is she?
She's a lab mix. Not sure what breed she's mixed with.
You get the picture. There's the doggy smell too. Almost as soon as you enter the house. Dog. Dog food. Fur. Drool. Chew toys. That cleaner you use to clean or mask any sign of accidents in the
house. It's all there. Stepping on squeaky toys and antlers that she likes to chew on. Almost like stepping on a Lego. All these things for dog. More than what I can remember we gave my childhood dog. With apologies to Florence Welch. The dog days have just begun.

Lola lounging

Excellent Early Voting

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 20:51:00 +0000

OBXers have reported positive Early Voting experiences and I have to agree. Montgomery County’s Early Voting Centers are open until 8pm tonight and 8am-8pm tomorrow. Check addresses and wait times of the ten Early Voting Centers before leaving your home or office; wait times are updated in real time at www.777vote.org.

This afternoon, I went to the Rockville Early Voting Center because I was already running errands around there. While parking at the Jefferson/Monroe Street garage, I spied an SUV with an oval black and white OES car magnet. I peeked closer to confirm "Olney Elementary School". Yay - we Olney residents are everywhere!

Many people were already filling out their ballets at the Early Voting Center but I experienced no wait. The friendly, efficient election workers ushered voters through the process. Before leaving, I received an oval "I Voted" sticker to give to parking garage attendant … because the first hour of parking is free for voters.

Without thinking, I proudly stuck the sticker over a chocolate stain on my shirt. While driving up to the exit gate, however, I realized my mistake. I actually pondered paying a dollar for parking just to keep the “I Voted” sticker. I sheepishly offered to take the sticker off my shirt but the kind attendant had me write my name and “I voted” on the ticket instead.

Spooky Sign of the Season

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 22:25:00 +0000

It's almost Halloween and much to my delight, decorations are up! Each year I've written about the cool and unique Halloween decorations I see in the neighborhoods, but what about ones in town?

The other day while waiting at the Georgia Avenue/Route 108 traffic light, I couldn't help but think of Richy Slyon's most recent post, Down on the Corner. When I see panhandlers, I ask myself -- do I help or not? If I do, how? I agree with Richy that "it can be awkward to pull up and make or maintain eye contact."

Then I spotted someone who does want eye contact and help ... but I really don't know how to help!

I had to stare at this sign in front of Adeptus for a several seconds before comprehending it and chuckling.

What a subtle but spooky sign of the season! Keep an eye on Adeptus' sign whenever you are stuck at the Georgia Avenue/Route 108 intersection -- you never know what they'll post next.

Single Orange Female

noreply@blogger.com (Estelle Yetti) — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 21:34:00 +0000

or Single Orange Male. It's hard to tell the sex of a plant. Also titled, "Another day in my strange garden." Every once in awhile, a strange plant erupts among my gardens. There is something about watching a struggling, often unattractive, living thing try to make its way out of the soil and into the air that amazes me. So much so that I have a hard time pulling it out or chopping it down. Who am I to snuff out a life that obviously so wants to live? I call these, "Jolly Green Giant" plants because they are often humongous. So when the SOF erupted out of nowhere, I just watched it grow, and grow and grow. This one wasn't as much tall as it was wide. Boy did it spread. It was becoming a problem as it was encroaching on my driveway and I kept running it over with the car. One day I came home and my husband had tied this mammoth plant back so that I wouldn't drive on it (my husband has resigned himself to the fact that I don't like to dislodge these strange spirited beings).

One day I was admiring this plant with a friend. "It seems to want to be something," I said. "It keeps blooming these beautiful yellow flowers but nothing seems to come of them." Then my friend said something that rocked my world. "It looks like a pumpkin plant." What???!!! How could a pumpkin plant suddenly grow outside my front door?? Then I remembered the pumpkins. Last Halloween, I dutifully put out my 2 pumpkins, one for each child. There they sat, day after day, week after week, until one day, they were nothing more than rotting corpses. Oh, so they left their seeds that germinated. Cool! But why don't I have little baby pumpkins? "The plant needs another plant to fertilize it," my friend said. Boy, was I getting an education in plant sex ed. It needs a mate?? Who knew? So, consider this a dating advertisement - Wanted: Single pumpkin plant willing to commit!

Tube Dude

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 17:13:00 +0000

I love living in a small town where folks gather to celebrate local activities and businesses. Last week's Olney Community Night offered plenty of fun demonstrations as well as vendors for kids and adults -- thank you for the free samples, Olney Winery! Remember all the food and activities at last year’s Olney Community Night?

Before Olney Community Night, the most recent town event I had enjoyed was National Night Out in August. What immediately drew my attention was not the crowd or fire truck or spraying hoses ... but the glorious pink Air Dancer! Olney may be small, but not too small for a gigantic, undulating tube dude.

I've see these towering inflatables in Rockville or larger towns, but now we have them! Okay, so these tube dudes are only on the ATM screen at Bank of America's Olney branch.

But a real Air Dancer in the Fairhill Shopping Center parking lot meant that Olney made the big time, at least for one night.

That image inspired my second Modern Family moment in Olney. Unlike any of my ten past Seinfeld-Olney moments, it reminded me of Phil and Gloria moving like Olney's Air Dancers. Check out this video (sign in) and scroll to 13 seconds in.

Down on the corner.

noreply@blogger.com (Richy Slyon) — Wed, 05 Oct 2016 22:31:00 +0000

With my job, I have to do some traveling throughout the county. Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda, and even Olney. I have seen people on the corners, in the median. Mostly men and occasionally women. They may have a sign that reads Homeless not Hopeless. Or Homeless Vet God Bless. Some may not have a sign. I came across a man on crutches with two prosthetic legs. All year round he wears shorts. The better to see his legs or lack of. On the same corner, on another day, I saw another man. He always has one of his pant legs pinned up to his waist. He's also on crutches and hobbles on his one leg. In Olney, I see folks on the corner of 108 and Georgia. Right across from the bus stop that backs to Popeye's. On the other corner, across from Five Guys is another spot. What to do? Sometimes, I may give a buck or two. You may not see the person for a few days but then they return. I often wonder how they decide on a corner. How much could they collect? You hope it's going to. .... what? Feed themselves and family? I know someone who handed out McDonalds bucks. They came in packs of five and could only be used to purchase their food. Either way, it can be awkward to pull up and make or maintain eye contact. Or I may pull in the lane further away. How we avoid the stare down. With autumn and cooler weather coming, there may be fewer sightings. But they're still out there. Not only in Olney.

Toilet Humor at the Self-Checkout

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 16:34:00 +0000

I've written about past adventures in the self-checkout lane (Do I Have a Choice? and back-talking machines) at the social Giant and had another one recently.

Last week, I was about to scan my groceries when I saw a huge multi-roll pack of toilet paper sitting on the shelf in front of the scanner. Oops -- I wonder who forgot this important item.

Man at the other end of the counter was loading purchases into a bag. He must have forgotten about the toilet paper.

"Excuse me sir," I said, "Is this toilet paper yours?"

"Oh, " he glanced up, "No. I don't need to go that badly." He then chuckled as he picked up his bags to leave, "Sorry about that."

A few minutes when I almost finished bagging my groceries I heard, "Is this yours?"

I looked up and saw a woman -- about to start scanning her items -- point to the gargantuan pack of toilet. I replied, "No, I was wondering whose it is. I asked the man in front of me the same thing and he said 'no' too!"

The woman shook her head and chuckled, "Uh-oh, this is something you don't want to run out of!"

I can see clearly now, whoa.

noreply@blogger.com (Richy Slyon) — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 22:59:00 +0000

My younger daughter needed glasses so we went to the eye doctor. She must have my poor vision genes since I've needed, although not consistently worn, glasses since fifth grade. I had a pair of glasses that were seven years old. Been having trouble reading fine print so I made an appointment for myself. Did the exam and told the eye doc of my latest reading challenges.
-Oh, sounds like you need progressive lenses. He tells me.
- What's that like bifocals? I ask.
- Well, we don't call them bifocals, they're progressive lenses.

Bifocals. So I order a cool pair of frames. Hip Ray-Bans to lessen the middle age stigma. They text me, imagine that, text me to let me know they're in. I go in for the fitting and once I put them on, whoaaaaa. Slight dizziness, eyes dilated. Oh, that's a natural side effect at first, I'm told. You'll get used to it. Other side effects include, hitching my pants past my navel, driving ten miles below the speed limit, and referring to young people as whippersnappers. Just love my bifocals, I mean progessive lenses.

The Cutting Crew

noreply@blogger.com (Richy Slyon) — Wed, 24 Aug 2016 22:24:00 +0000

For several years, I've been going to the same undisclosed barbershop. I usually go when the Wifey tells me it's time. It can be a couple months. It's been my experience to seek out and stick with the oldest barber in the shop and that's what I've done. ""Jack" has a similar hairline as I. Think Louie CK. It's not that much to trim and he still takes time. Sometimes it's awkward to walk in. "Can I help you?" "Need a haircut?" I tell them I'm waiting for Jack. The look of loss in their eyes. There goes a customer. Jack does his usual fine job and I tip well. The problem is when goes out of town, out of state in late May. He doesn't return until September. I try to time it so I get a cut from him before he leaves but eventually, I have to go in. Before he leaves, Jack suggests who to see within the shop and I follow his advice. Sometimes, they are not there or free so I bite the bullet and just submit to whoever is available. It's hard to mess up my hair and I end up looking much better than when I walked in. Still, I look forward to seeing Jack and having him work his master craft on these follicles.

Are you going to go my way?

noreply@blogger.com (Richy Slyon) — Wed, 17 Aug 2016 20:55:00 +0000

My commute takes me to my office in Rockville. It is a little over ten and a half miles. During the summer, when school is out, I can make it there in about twenty minutes. It's a breeze. Down 108, a right on Georgia, down Randolph. In a couple weeks that will all change. The presence of the big yellow school bus makes all the difference. More people schlepping their kids to school. Actual teenage drivers. Yikes. So, it adds on up to another ten minutes. And that's OK. Kids got to get to school to learn. So enjoy your commute now and hope you enjoy your commute as another school year begins.

Good Behavior on the Road

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Tue, 02 Aug 2016 01:02:00 +0000

After my daughter obtained a learner's permit, she noticed other drivers' bad behavior. "That person didn't signal," she would report. Or she would note, "That car didn't come to a full stop at the 4-way stop sign intersection", "Is that okay for that SUV to drive on the right [shoulder] and cut ahead of everyone?" and more.

One afternoon after dismissal time, I was driving on Muncaster Mill Road past Magruder High School when my daughter commented, "Oh, no wonder everyone is driving slowly ... There's a police car.”

Sure enough, a police cruiser was right in front of me. I glanced around for an accident but thankfully saw none. During this usually busy time, the scene was unusually calm. Traffic was heavy but cars were merging politely and everyone seemed mellow. No one was in a rush or tailgating anyone else.

This scene confirmed an adage I once heard: "People don't speed when police are around." I think this saying is applicable to different situations when people are temporarily on their best behavior, like Office workers don't surf YouTube while the boss is in and Shoppers don't cheat at self-checkout when a clerk stands nearby.

And now I apply this adage to a new scenario: don't speed or curse at other drivers when my student driver is also in the car.

Joys of Anonymous Online Shopping and Shipping

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 01:16:00 +0000

Since Olney doesn't have a mall, online shopping can be blessing. As a surprise, my husband ordered me a pair black dress pumps from Nordstrom. Unsure of my size, he snooped around in our closet and guestimated what size to order.

A week later I opened the package, delighted to find the new pumps ... which were a half size too small. The package had free return shipping, so all I needed to do was repack the shoes, attach the enclosed prepaid, pre-addressed UPS form and drop it off at the UPS store by Rite Aid here in Olney.

"You don't have to do that," my husband said. "I can return them to Nordstorm at Montgomery Mall on my way to work."

"No, that's okay -- the UPS store is convenient here in town," I replied.

My husband thought for a moment and then nodded. "True. Plus what would salespeople think about a middle-aged man returning a pair of ladies' evening pumps?"

"Just tell them that the shoes were too small," I laughed. "They can guess too small for whom."

Silent, not Social Giant

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 01:08:00 +0000

Last September, I wrote about how social Olney's Giant is. No matter what time of day or night I go there, at least a few cars are parked outside with some customers and employees inside. I feel secure seeing others shopping there, especially before storms (stocking up on food), during sewage issues (buying bottled drinking water) and after blizzards (restocking food after being dug out).

One morning last spring, after plodding through school drop-off and Route 108 rush hour traffic, I entered Giant's parking lot ... and saw NO cars. Puzzled by the empty lot, I checked for emergency vehicles, which to my relief were absent. Still, the scene was eerie. Where was everyone? Was Giant closed at 7:30am? Have I entered The Twilight Zone?

I crept into the store and spied two people at the customer service desk. Relieved that I hadn't walked into a crime scene, I quickly picked up a few items and headed toward self-checkout. Just then another person cautiously tiptoed into the store.

"Is there anyone else here?" the customer peered about. "Oh good, another shopper!" She too had wondered if the store was closed or if something sinister was going on when she saw the deserted parking lot.

For once, the Social Giant was a more silent than social!

Random Act of Kindness: Roadside Assistance

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Tue, 21 Jun 2016 19:52:00 +0000

After picking up my daughter from Rosa Park Middle School for a midday doctor's appointment, I turned onto Olney Mill Road ... and heard a loud screeching sound and smelled something burning.

Frustrated drivers behind me honked, like a tailgating red sports car that gunned loudly past. Slowly pulling to the side, I climbed out of the car and knelt down to peek underneath – but saw nothing dangling or dragging. My daughter also looked but saw nothing.

My mind raced with questions: 1) What caused the screeching and acrid smell? 2) Should I cancel the doctor's appointment and would I have to pay a cancellation fee? 3) When would I reschedule the appointment (which meant rejuggling my work schedule and interrupting her classes again)? 4) Should my daughter walk back to school while I stay with the car and decide what to do? 5) Should I just walk home? 6) How was I going to drive to errands and kids' activities later in the day?

"Excuse me, do you need any help?"

I stood up to see a young brunette lady who had parked her white car in front of mine. I quickly mumbled my jumbled thoughts and she nodded sympathetically, suggesting maybe I drive the short distance to Fletcher's. Embarrassed to take up her time, especially in my harried (and cursing) state, I thanked her and said I might try that.

"Well, if you need anything," she offered as she climbed back into her car, "please let me know."

I tried my car again, this time rolling a few feet in reverse and then forward -- without any screeching! Hey, I thought cautiously, maybe we can make it to the doctor's office on time. We slowly drove away, without any noise or smell.

Earlier that week, Olney had been pretty windy and maybe a blown-down stick was caught in the wheel well. Perhaps driving in reverse dislodged it. In any case, I was touched by this total stranger who stopped in the middle of a weekday, probably busy and on her way to work, home or on an errand. Her random act of kindness was not actually fixing my car, but offering help that made me calm down and stop cursing my bad luck.

To the young brunette lady with a white car who stopped to check on me and my daughter on Olney Mill Road on Thursday, June 9 at 12:55pm – thank you!

Getting on the RAK (random acts of kindness) bandwagon

noreply@blogger.com (Estelle Yetti) — Sun, 29 May 2016 23:55:00 +0000

The citizens of the Greater Olney community do good things all the time – so why do the not-so-good things seem to get more “air time” in today’s media-intensive world?

Introducing the Greater Olney Random Acts of Kindness (Greater Olney RAK) initiative – one community’s stand for kindness and greater good in the world. Designed to encourage positive interactions and elevate a more positive view of our world, Greater Olney RAK is a movement to encourage residents to perform good acts, recognize good acts, and experience the promise of a better world, at least in our little corner of it.

The Greater Olney RAK movement is about …

1. Encouraging community members to perform random acts of kindness, small or large.

2. “Turning up the volume” on the unsung good deeds within our great community.

The ultimate goal of Greater Olney RAK is to help foster a more positive and hopeful outlook toward people and for the world in which we live, starting with our community!

How do I join the Greater Olney RAK initiative?

Do It …

Become a part of a silent brigade of do good’ers throughout the Greater Olney area by simply acting the next time you feel the urge to randomly help someone with a small or large act of kindness. Your actions could make someone’s day and can help to make our community even better. Do it when the moment strikes you. Do it when a needs presents itself. It’s that simple.

It’s important also to understand that Random Acts of Kindness come in all shapes and sizes. In fact, Great acts are made up of small deeds! They don’t have to be grand or costly, can be done at any time and can take as little as a few seconds to perform. The only requirement is that they have to be an expression of random kindness toward your fellow man, woman, child, or even animal.

Some examples of daily Random Acts of Kindness could include:

(We hope they inspire you to think up a few of your own!)

• Simply smile at every person you pass throughout the day.

• Bake a few extra cookies for your neighbor as a surprise.

• Pay for coffee or a meal for the person behind you at the local drive-thru restaurant.

• Call a local charity and offer your services for a few hours.

• Anonymously buy dinner for diners sitting across the restaurant from you.

• Spend time picking up the trash in your community.

• Deliver flowers to a senior who might need some cheer.

• Write a note of thanks to a teacher or community service worker.

• Shovel your neighbor's walk after the next snow storm.

• Offer to mow an elderly neighbor's lawn.

For lots more ideas, check out the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation at https://www.randomactsofkindness.org

See It …

Whether you’re the person doing it, seeing it, or receiving it, help us recognize it. Tell us about your Random Act of Kindness experience by emailing the details to GreaterOlneyRAK@gmail.com. The submission can be anonymous if you prefer. Simply share the details of the act by telling us the “who, what, when, why, where and how” of a recent Random Act of Kindness. Don't forget to note if you were the doer, observer, or recipient of the act. Anyone can report a good act. We want to hear from you!

Feel It …

Doing good feels great. Random Acts of Kindness are meant to elevate the experience of life for residents in our community and beyond. Together, we can make people happy and help to foster a better world through Greater Olney RAK.

Great News!

To encourage this feeling, share your Greater Olney RAK news and it may be featured on the Greater Olney RAK Hall of Fame page in an upcoming issue of the Greater Olney News.

For more information or to learn more about partnering with or becoming a sponsor of the Greater Olney RAK initiative, email GreaterOlneyRAK@gmail.com. It’s time to start to KRANK UP THE KINDNESS!!

“NO ACT OF KINDNESS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, IS EVER WASTED.” – AESOP

Sorry, Ma'am!

noreply@blogger.com (Estelle Yetti) — Sun, 29 May 2016 23:45:00 +0000

I'm happy to report that chivalry is not dead.

Today I had the interesting experience of a young man calling me “Ma’am” when he accidentally threw a toy towards me while playing catch with his daughter in the water at the neighborhood pool. “Sorry, Ma’am!,” he said. How nice! Except it wasn’t. The poor guy. I really let him have it. You see, at 54, I’m not quite ready to be referred to as “Ma’am,” especially by a 44 year old man. However, that interaction led to us talking and now I have a new friend. We tried to problem solve alternatives: “Sorry, Miss!” “Sorry, Mrs.!” Sorry, Ms.!” Nothing else seemed right. He admitted that he has worked for the military so “Ma’am” came naturally to him. He was nice enough to introduce me to his wife so we asked for her suggestions. She said, “Why not just say, ‘Sorry!’” Hmmmm. Is that better or worse? I can’t tell. Thoughts?

Man's Best Friend Behind the Wheel

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Fri, 13 May 2016 03:27:00 +0000

During the winter, I trudged through the Giant parking lot, pushing a cart of groceries when I suddenly did a double-take: I spotted this calm canine sitting in the driver's seat of a car. Normally I worry about dogs in cars but that morning, the temperatures were still in the 30's so I felt the pup was safe. Instead, I marveled at the familiarity of the dog's pose ...

... because this patient pooch reminded me of a parent waiting to pick up a kid from an activity -- an all-too-familiar scene here in Olney -- or of an empty-nester spouse waiting for his or her spouse to finish shopping.

As I passed in front of the car, I saw the dog from a different angle -- he looked like he was actually driving the car! Like most humans, though, this canine looked a bit weary of endless carpools, pick-ups and drop-offs. I could almost hear him, "Ruff! Okay, where to next?"

Post-Valentine's Day Advice for Couples, Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Daphne d'Olney) — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 21:11:00 +0000

To continue my list of dating tips from my previous post, I present Post-Valentine's Day Advice for Couples, Part 2:

1. Dinner Date: Pick up takeout on a busy weeknight while the kids are either at an activity or at home doing homework.

2. Shopping Date: Take the kids to the mall and then browse stores while waiting for them. Warning: this could turn into an Expensive Date if the couple decides to buy new and unneeded large-ticket items ... or an Ugly Date is the couple disagrees over the purchase.

3. Environmental Date: Take old leaves, grass clippings, retired Christmas trees and large recyclables to the Transfer Station and unload them there.

4. Travel Date: Give your partner a ride to the airport, train station or Metro station or, better yet, extend the date by continuing on the trip or commute with him or her.

5. Serious Date: Go to the UPS Store to notarize official documents (like wills) requiring both of your signatures.

6. Show or Movie Date: Leave the kids at home and see a show at Olney Theatre Center or a movie. The last time we tried this though, we ended up too tired for the late show of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The Force awoke but we turned around to go home and sleep.

So I urge all Olney couples to extend Valentine's Day romance throughout the year by seeking "date" opportunities in everyday life.