David Fogel, outside of Bump 'n Grind in East Silver Spring.
What is your profession/involvement in the community?
Owner of Bump ‘n Grind, Vice President of South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association, Dad.
How has your life changed since the community has been impacted by Coronavirus?
I still wake up, go to the bathroom, make, and eat breakfast. The rest of it is completely up in the air and pretty different. Kids home, wife home, business shuttered, routines altered…
Are you working more or less?
During those first couple weeks, things were really hectic as we pivoted the business from retail to online/delivery... I can’t believe I just used that word, but that’s the best descriptor of what happened. We’ve gotten into a bit of a daily rhythm which has helped create some routine to the day, but there are always things that need tending and doing, ideas that need fleshing out. That was the case pre-covid as well. It’s honestly tough to say if I’m working more or less. I work a lot, but always have. Thankfully my work inspires me and I like it.
What are you most afraid of?
Outside of losing a loved one, and watching people suffer, personally the main thing is my business's landlord being unreasonable and forcing me to make a really tough decision.
What are you most hopeful for?
I have a ton of hope. I hope that a lot of people realize that getting back to “normal” might not be the best objective, that we can and should do better for our collective selves and each other. This is an amazing time. It’s exhausting and exhilarating, draining and invigorating to watch people and society ask core questions, and have the space and time to digest those questions and get deep. That’s wonderful to watch, experience, be a part of, and I think we’re only now starting to have the space to get really philosophical. Now that we’re getting comfortable with zoom classes, being in our underwear until 11 a.m., and forgetting what day of the week it is. Watching the planet breathe, seeing people walk with their heads up, smile. I know there’s a lot of anxiety out there, stress and fear but I feel that holding all of those emotions is a layer of “everything’s going to be all right. We’re going to get through this, grow up and evolve.” That’s my hope at least -- that we take a hard long look at the roots, what we’ve been up to recently, what’s important, and what we want to create. Hopefully we come out of this a more just, compassionate, and sustainable society. That’s what I’m going to be working towards.
What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?
1. HOMESHOOLING! Teachers are amazing. Schools are under appreciated. Having said that, I wish the schools interacted with my kids for more than an hour each day. It’s tough having to parent that much while trying to address the additional mayhem and responsibilities out there.
2. Frustrations with leadership and government
3. No hugs, high fives, gatherings :(
Is there anything – even a tiny thing – you enjoy or like about sheltering in place?
I like a lot of it, to be honest. Spending more time with the fam is cool, except when I want them to leave me alone :) I like watching the planet breathe deep and cleanse. The pollution and fog that is leaving the skies I feel is also leaving our brains. I’m having some great, unrushed conversations with people. I like spending more time with my books and records. I banged out a Corona Funk mix in conjunction with a new coffee we released: https://soundcloud.com/bump-n-grind-615929178/david-carona-funk-mix-017
I’m liking the lessons of letting go and slowing down. I’ve connected with a lot of old friends and everyone is much more appreciative of the little things that make life amazing and special.
What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
I laid out my hope, above. It’s what I want and will work towards. The reality, in my opinion, is that there’s still a lot to unfold and I think we’re going to go through several additional societal shifts over the next year before a vaccine is made allowing us to settle into a new reality. It’s way too early to tell and there is definitely the potential for things to go to hell in a hand basket. I’m down with and enjoy a bit of mayhem and chaos, but hopefully science, sanity, and humanity prevail.
How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?
Eating, music, books, walks, exploring new areas of the neighborhood, riding my onewheel, and talking with friends and family. Getting outside is crucial. Praise Jah that this is happening during spring!
When future generations ask, what will you tell them about this time in your life?
YOU SHOULDA BEEN THERE! IT WAS WILD, MAN! My friend wrote, “Amazing times: 7.6 billion people are locked inside because someone ate a bat. The person leading our nation through this crisis is a 5-year-old and you can get all the advice you need about the situation from the Twitter account of a company that sells frozen cheese steak meat.”
Amazing times! I’m truly thankful to be alive right now. It’s weird to say I’m enjoying it, but I find the unknown a bit exhilarating, I see a lot of opportunity and I believe in “us.” This is the biggest global event since WWII -- something that everyone on this planet can and will relate to. It is hopefully the galvanizing moment that connects us. Unfortunately we’ve got Trump instead of FDR but this will outlast him. Real leadership is emerging. Humanism is emerging. I hope it continues to grow and guide us through these times and into the future.
What would you like your friends and neighbors in Silver Spring/Montgomery County to know?
You all are amazing. Keep crushing it! I started a neighborhood business, in my neighborhood, built on three pillars: Coffee . Music . Community. The community is and has really come through. Ordering beans, records, swag has helped keep the wheels turning. They also came strong in our effort to provide coffee to the frontline workers and staff at Holy Cross. We’re currently working on doing the same for Shepherd’s Table, who take care of some of our most vulnerable neighbors and could use your support.
We got this. We will get through this, but we need to do what we can, be smart, considerate, and take care of each other. Please don’t get overwhelmed, so much is simply out of your control. You can control your attitude, your breath, and how you treat others. Focus on that, and every now and then, turn the volume up and have a little dance :)
Owner of Bump ‘n Grind, Vice President of South Silver Spring Neighborhood Association, Dad.
How has your life changed since the community has been impacted by Coronavirus?
I still wake up, go to the bathroom, make, and eat breakfast. The rest of it is completely up in the air and pretty different. Kids home, wife home, business shuttered, routines altered…
Are you working more or less?
During those first couple weeks, things were really hectic as we pivoted the business from retail to online/delivery... I can’t believe I just used that word, but that’s the best descriptor of what happened. We’ve gotten into a bit of a daily rhythm which has helped create some routine to the day, but there are always things that need tending and doing, ideas that need fleshing out. That was the case pre-covid as well. It’s honestly tough to say if I’m working more or less. I work a lot, but always have. Thankfully my work inspires me and I like it.
What are you most afraid of?
Outside of losing a loved one, and watching people suffer, personally the main thing is my business's landlord being unreasonable and forcing me to make a really tough decision.
What are you most hopeful for?
I have a ton of hope. I hope that a lot of people realize that getting back to “normal” might not be the best objective, that we can and should do better for our collective selves and each other. This is an amazing time. It’s exhausting and exhilarating, draining and invigorating to watch people and society ask core questions, and have the space and time to digest those questions and get deep. That’s wonderful to watch, experience, be a part of, and I think we’re only now starting to have the space to get really philosophical. Now that we’re getting comfortable with zoom classes, being in our underwear until 11 a.m., and forgetting what day of the week it is. Watching the planet breathe, seeing people walk with their heads up, smile. I know there’s a lot of anxiety out there, stress and fear but I feel that holding all of those emotions is a layer of “everything’s going to be all right. We’re going to get through this, grow up and evolve.” That’s my hope at least -- that we take a hard long look at the roots, what we’ve been up to recently, what’s important, and what we want to create. Hopefully we come out of this a more just, compassionate, and sustainable society. That’s what I’m going to be working towards.
What has been the most challenging part of this experience for you?
1. HOMESHOOLING! Teachers are amazing. Schools are under appreciated. Having said that, I wish the schools interacted with my kids for more than an hour each day. It’s tough having to parent that much while trying to address the additional mayhem and responsibilities out there.
2. Frustrations with leadership and government
3. No hugs, high fives, gatherings :(
Is there anything – even a tiny thing – you enjoy or like about sheltering in place?
I like a lot of it, to be honest. Spending more time with the fam is cool, except when I want them to leave me alone :) I like watching the planet breathe deep and cleanse. The pollution and fog that is leaving the skies I feel is also leaving our brains. I’m having some great, unrushed conversations with people. I like spending more time with my books and records. I banged out a Corona Funk mix in conjunction with a new coffee we released: https://soundcloud.com/bump-n-grind-615929178/david-carona-funk-mix-017
I’m liking the lessons of letting go and slowing down. I’ve connected with a lot of old friends and everyone is much more appreciative of the little things that make life amazing and special.
What do you think society as a whole will learn from this experience?
I laid out my hope, above. It’s what I want and will work towards. The reality, in my opinion, is that there’s still a lot to unfold and I think we’re going to go through several additional societal shifts over the next year before a vaccine is made allowing us to settle into a new reality. It’s way too early to tell and there is definitely the potential for things to go to hell in a hand basket. I’m down with and enjoy a bit of mayhem and chaos, but hopefully science, sanity, and humanity prevail.
How are you coping with stress/taking care of yourself?
Eating, music, books, walks, exploring new areas of the neighborhood, riding my onewheel, and talking with friends and family. Getting outside is crucial. Praise Jah that this is happening during spring!
When future generations ask, what will you tell them about this time in your life?
YOU SHOULDA BEEN THERE! IT WAS WILD, MAN! My friend wrote, “Amazing times: 7.6 billion people are locked inside because someone ate a bat. The person leading our nation through this crisis is a 5-year-old and you can get all the advice you need about the situation from the Twitter account of a company that sells frozen cheese steak meat.”
Amazing times! I’m truly thankful to be alive right now. It’s weird to say I’m enjoying it, but I find the unknown a bit exhilarating, I see a lot of opportunity and I believe in “us.” This is the biggest global event since WWII -- something that everyone on this planet can and will relate to. It is hopefully the galvanizing moment that connects us. Unfortunately we’ve got Trump instead of FDR but this will outlast him. Real leadership is emerging. Humanism is emerging. I hope it continues to grow and guide us through these times and into the future.
What would you like your friends and neighbors in Silver Spring/Montgomery County to know?
You all are amazing. Keep crushing it! I started a neighborhood business, in my neighborhood, built on three pillars: Coffee . Music . Community. The community is and has really come through. Ordering beans, records, swag has helped keep the wheels turning. They also came strong in our effort to provide coffee to the frontline workers and staff at Holy Cross. We’re currently working on doing the same for Shepherd’s Table, who take care of some of our most vulnerable neighbors and could use your support.
We got this. We will get through this, but we need to do what we can, be smart, considerate, and take care of each other. Please don’t get overwhelmed, so much is simply out of your control. You can control your attitude, your breath, and how you treat others. Focus on that, and every now and then, turn the volume up and have a little dance :)
Interview conducted on April 25, 2020.
Want more? Check out our archives:
Dr. Lilly Walker Shelton
Warren "Buck" Buckingham III
Linda Perlman Tabach
Dan Reed, Just up the Pike
David "Moe" Nelson, NOAA, King Teddy
Mike Diegel, Source of the Spring
Lene Tsegaye, Kefa Cafe
Want more? Check out our archives:
Dr. Lilly Walker Shelton
Warren "Buck" Buckingham III
Linda Perlman Tabach
Dan Reed, Just up the Pike
David "Moe" Nelson, NOAA, King Teddy
Mike Diegel, Source of the Spring
Lene Tsegaye, Kefa Cafe
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