I think we already knew this, but Ellicott City has been named among the top 20 creative towns in America. Richard Florida, who wrote "The Rise of the Creative Class," has now published the results of a survey that puts us at number 17 on the list. A brief stroll down Main Street would easily confirm this.
Just a small sampling of examples — the other day I saw Tom Shoemaker of Shoemaker Country lugging a huge slice of tree trunk across the street. I'm sure it was destined to become one of his one-of-a-kind gorgeous tables. Just down the street from Shoemaker's, Lenny and Sherry Berkowitz have been making stunning stained glass pieces at Great Panes for several decades.
Across from them, Barry Gibson continues to delight children of all ages in front of the Forget-Me-Not Factory with his elaborate costumes and even more elaborate bubble blowing — a street performer par excellence.
Gretchen Shuey, owner of Bean Hollow, not only brews up an excellent cup of coffee, she also recently completed a 50 K — you read that right, a 50 K. Talk about creative energy!
Lissa Bounds at Ellicott's Country Store has brought excellent design services to town. Up the street, the Ellicott Mills Brewing Company quietly continues to brew its own beer, right there in the restaurant, while across the street from them Nathan Sowers turns out artisan bread in the basement of Tersiguel's and upstairs Chef Michel continues his innovative cuisine.
Nearby, the Judge's Bench regularly hosts open mic nights, encouraging new musical talent, and of course out in the west end, Dee Cunningham and the rest of the Ellicott City Arts Coalition continue to produce amazing art.
And these are just a few of the talented folk that make up our town. We shouldn't take them for granted. They greatly enhance our quality of life here.
Markets
Finally, it's time for the farmer's market. Starting this Sunday, the Old Town Market will be back in business from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through October. As was last year, the market will spread out between the parking lot next to The Wine Bin, and the courtyard behind Tonge Row, in Parking Lot D.
Also, don't miss the Second Sunday Art Market, next held on Sunday, May 10. This is also in Parking Lot D, behind the Mat About You shop, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features many local artists.
Plant sale
The annual Whipp's Cemetery Plant Sale is coming up on May 8 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and May 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church at the corner of Frederick Road and Chatham. The sale features many unusual and hard to find plants — some from the gardens of the Howard County Master Gardeners.
The proceeds benefit the cemetery. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions and offer advice. For more information call 410-274-7795.
Milltown 5K
The fifth annual Hills of Milltown 5K is coming up on Saturday, May 23. This is one of the more interesting courses you could run, passing by 13 historic sites. The race will start at Lot F, behind the Log Cabin, at 8:30 a.m., and is sponsored by the Ellicott City Partnership. For sign-up information, call 443-240-2060.
Yard Sale
As part of the National Road Yard Sale, the Howard County Historical Society and Historic Ellicott City Inc. are holding a "Déjà Vu and Nearly New" sale at Mt. Ida, 3691 Sarah's Lane, on May 16 and 17, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sale benefits the programs of both organizations.
Band
The Howard County Historical Society is hosting a performance by the Starvation Army Band at the museum, 8328 Court Ave., on May 9, at 7 p.m. The band plays Dixieland jazz, klezmer and swing music. Tickets are $15 per person, free to society members. You are welcome to bring your own wine, and if you tell them where you are going at the Wine Bin, they will give you 20 percent off on your purchase that day.
Walking Tour
The Patapsco Heritage Greenway and Baltimore Heritage Inc. are offering a walking tour entitled "Rocks, Rivers and the Railroad in Ellicott City and the Patapsco Valley" on May 17 at 2 p.m. Led by author Ned Tillman, this journey through history will begin and end at the Welcome Center, 8267 Main St. For more information, call 410-332-9992.