“Palaces for the people” was a phrase used when businessman Andrew Carnegie donated money to build 2,950 libraries across the world. I have been rereading the book Palaces for the People by Eric Klinenberg which focuses on the value of shared space...
Small Things
Last week I heard the story of a woman who loved dogs and had a dog rest stop built in her front yard. It includes a bench where she can sit and engage with neighbors and especially their dogs as they walk by. There’s also a water dish for the dogs as we...
Not The Same Old Story
A library in rural Montana hosted a conversation with older adults asking them, ” what should young people be asking you?” A group I am working with adopted the responses to design a community story telling event featuring older adults in the same ...
Unicorns Love Local
This sign was at my favorite bookstore, Roebling Books & Coffee in Cincinnati. When I was very young, this store was an auto repair shop that my Dad worked at right before he opened his own shop. I checked and the cute fluffy kittens get the unicorn ride a...
What’s Missing
It’s been several years since I have worked on a jigsaw puzzle. Over the Thanksgiving week my grandkids and I started working on a 1000 piece puzzle. 1000 pieces seemed like a very lofty goal and there were many events going on during the week so it took...
On Alert for Connections
I biked over to a nearby river where I heard that salmon could be seen jumping as they swam up river. When I arrived there were 8 – 10 people there all paying close attention to the waterfall in hopes of seeing a salmon jump the fall. Most people gathere...
A Great Story of Community
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride is an amazing well told story of the power of community. It delves into the damage caused by bigotry and deceit as well as the impact of courage and kindness. The history of one of the very worse institutions...
It Took Years
CJ and his friend Steven cast drop their lines right off of this dock. They drive 20 minutes to fish here regularly and I met them while working with the Tennessee Aquarium. He is happy to talk to me and tells me about the types of fish here and asks where I a...
Cultures of Connection
In the book “Together” the US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy presents research on the cause and impact of loneliness and stories of individuals and communities that are making a difference by building connections and stronger communities. From t...
What’s Your Favourite Walking Route?
“What’s your favourite walking route?” was one of a dozen questions on the spinning wheel at a community BBQ. Neighbours who attended the event could spin the wheel and draw or write a response to their question. The questions were designed t...