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| 6/28/2009 | Email this article • Print this article | All aboard for a unique tour of Amsterdam
Michael Lazarou
For the Recorder
Have you ever entertained the possibility we might not be living in an actual city? Whatever promising signs there may be of becoming a progressive city are not what I am seeing as of lately. So just maybe it's not really a city but instead one of "Make-Believe." Do you recall a famous children's show where the host would travel through an almost virtual reality neighborhood? Yes, you are correct it's "MISTER ROGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD!" Mr. Rogers a soft-spoken gentleman wearing a casual sweater and slippers would travel throughout a make-believe neighborhood exploring its wonders.
Along the way he would interact with a variety of characters such as Lady Aberlin, Mr. McFeely "the Speedy Delivery Man," Police Officer Clemmons and so on. The puppet characters in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe included such names as King Friday the XIII, Queen Sara Saturday, Lady Elaine Fairchild (who ran the Museum-Go-Round), Cornflake "Corny" S. Pecially (who owned a rocking chair factory) and Hischer Booptrunk (Rogers' childhood toy.)
During Mr. Roger's journey he would always stop and ask questions in hoping to gain valuable knowledge. Sometimes Mr. Rogers would introduce a new word with its correct spelling. Every journey was both a learning experience and educational. Mr. Roger's main focus usually turned out to be an important message to his child viewers. His approach was always one of a reassuring feeling that everything will be just fine. Don't worry folks even though we are living in a real city with real issues everything will be just fine - I think.
So just close your eyes and imagine Mr. Rogers narrating this tour. Actually, keep your eyes open so you can finish reading the rest of my column. Allow me please to take you on a magical journey in a place we know as "Our Neighborhood." First boys and girls let's hop on the trolley and head on over to the school district. Do you think they would mind if we take a peak inside the Central Administration Building to see what they actually do? But first we must remain quiet as not to disturb the budget process. Oh there's Mr. "Smiley Superintendent" talking to "Blooper the Board Member" on how difficult it is giving up some things while accepting something else. Ok boys and girls can you spell p-r-e-p-o-s-t-e-r-o-u-s? I wonder if Mr. "Smiley the Superintendent" and "Blooper the Board Member" will explain to us the purpose of a second vote on a budget. Can you tell me boys and girls if there is any valuable lesson to be learned? Could it be that a first time actually doesn't count - and neither does the second time?
It's time to hop on the trolley again. Next stop boys and girls will be our school buildings and grounds but first we must find "Mr. C the Custodian" to explain the importance of cleanliness. Sorry boys and girls due to lack of funding from Mr. "Taxes the Treasure Chest" we are unable to tour the building. Please watch your step as we exit the building. On the other hand please step on everything you see crawling while exiting. Just consider it as a good deed performed. If lucky enough boys and girls maybe we'll catch a glimpse of "Piggy the Flu" on our way out.
Next boys and girls we'll take the trolley over to where young adults learn to develop skills through a modified sports program. Now boys and girls can you spell s-e-l-f-e-s-t-e-e-m and c-h-a-r-a-c-t-e-r? What have we here? It's "Smiley the Superintendent" and "Blooper the Board Member" once again explaining the importance of passing a budget. Don't worry boys and girls everything will be just fine. Just keep in mind that "with less playtime on the field comes more playtime on the street." This of course will help to keep "Police Officer Clemmons" busy.
It's back onto the trolley boys and girls as we travel through some of our finest neighborhoods in town. First I must warn you that we may encounter a bumpy wet ride due to rough roads and old waterlines. Also watch out for flying shingles from rooftops. Don't worry boys and girls everything will be just fine. "McCodie the Inspector" has been working very hard in making things better. How about a sing-a-long while we're riding towards our next destination. "It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood... won't you be my neighbor." Did you know boys and girls we have many strangers from far away lands owning these old decrepit buildings? Legend has it we may never find them.
Onward we go riding the trolley to our next stop... "Charlie the Chalmers Building." Oh what have we here? Why it's "Ms. Mc-Dealie the Mayor" standing next to "Lloyd the lawyer" waving to us as we pass by. Don't forget to wave back boys and girls. If we ask politely do you think "Ms. Mc-Dealie the Mayor" will give us a sneak preview in the making of "Charlie the Chalmers Building?" I'm sorry boys and girls but "Ms. Mc-Dealie the Mayor" is too busy working in her secret garden with "Dilbert the Developer." Let's ask "Charlie the Chalmers Building" what he thinks about a make-over. Instead boys and girls "Charlie" would like to know if you can spell the word "K-A-B-O-O-M." I'm sure "Wendy the Wrecking Ball" is familiar with the word.
At the end of each program Mr. Rogers said goodbye by singing "I'll be back when the day is new, and I'll have more ideas for you. And you'll have things you'll want to talk about. I will too."
Until next time - hold that thought.
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