By John M. Clark
Editor’s Note
June 2020
German Village has never let me down. An awful day at work? Not feeling well? A spat with the spouse? My neighborhood has always come through as a warm and comforting place to recover or recharge … a place to find peace.
Lately, this belief in the Village’s restorative powers has been tested – again and again. First, with the deadly coronavirus pandemic … then the economic fallout from sheltering-in-place … and now, the violence that has accompanied the many peaceful protests over racial injustice. Who could have imagined this much turmoil?
As a precaution against violence, the downtown office I work in has closed early (or not opened at all) every day this week. And so it was that I entered German Village shortly before four o’clock this afternoon, feeling a bit disconnected from reality once again.
East Beck Street isn’t exactly the “road less traveled;” but as a City Park Avenue resident, I usually drive right past this favorite street of mine on my daily trip home. But not today. I knew if anything in the neighborhood could lift my spirits, it was likely to be found along East Beck. And this lovely, old brick street didn’t let me down. In fact, it made “all the difference.”
Editor’s Note
June 2020
German Village has never let me down. An awful day at work? Not feeling well? A spat with the spouse? My neighborhood has always come through as a warm and comforting place to recover or recharge … a place to find peace.
Lately, this belief in the Village’s restorative powers has been tested – again and again. First, with the deadly coronavirus pandemic … then the economic fallout from sheltering-in-place … and now, the violence that has accompanied the many peaceful protests over racial injustice. Who could have imagined this much turmoil?
As a precaution against violence, the downtown office I work in has closed early (or not opened at all) every day this week. And so it was that I entered German Village shortly before four o’clock this afternoon, feeling a bit disconnected from reality once again.
East Beck Street isn’t exactly the “road less traveled;” but as a City Park Avenue resident, I usually drive right past this favorite street of mine on my daily trip home. But not today. I knew if anything in the neighborhood could lift my spirits, it was likely to be found along East Beck. And this lovely, old brick street didn’t let me down. In fact, it made “all the difference.”
The first thing I noticed was Lindey’s. Not only had the protective plywood come off the windows and doors, but there were customers enjoying food and drink INSIDE. That’s a sight I hadn’t seen in months.
Just across Mohawk Street, the garden spaces at 184 and 192 East Beck were full and bursting with color. Because of the warm weather and recent rains, gardens all over the neighborhood have been thriving. A resident and gardener on Jaeger Street told me recently that the rapid growth has meant more maintenance than usual. But he didn’t seem to mind.
I was saving Fetch Park for last, thinking I would want to spend some time among the always-beautiful gardens, hanging pots, planters and fountain. Just as I pulled alongside the park, I was struck by the sight of a wedding taking place inside. Bride and groom were having their photos made as beaming relatives and friends looked on. In that one moment, I totally forgot about the pandemic, the economic and employment problems, the pervasive racial injustice and the violence and looting. More importantly, I was reminded what an incredible neighborhood we have – that it can bring joy to so many during even the worst of times.
As I resumed my drive home, I was struck by the peace that surrounded me – in this beautiful German Village I proudly call home.
As I resumed my drive home, I was struck by the peace that surrounded me – in this beautiful German Village I proudly call home.
