I was one of the first residents of Columbia. I moved here when there was only Wilde Lake and Oakland Mills. To me, it was a utopia, a joy to live in. I was so proud to say I came from Columbia.

I lived here until the 1980s, then moved away for about 20 years. I recently returned and am shocked and dismayed at what I am seeing here now: trash everywhere.

I walk to the Food Lion and under the pine trees that edge the walking paths are beer bottles, soda cans and other trash in piles. I never see this kind of cavalier attitude in the towns and cities in Europe and this attitude in America shames and depresses me.

I love Columbia and want to cry when I see all the filth accumulating here. What can we do?

Sally Stunkel

Oakland Mills