I visited this white building last when I was 7 or so years old. Then it was an auto repair shop where my Dad worked. I tagged along when he went to drop off and pick up his uniforms. I liked that this shop was nestled in the middle of a neighbourhood and the ...
A Beautiful Portfolio
I wrote this story 5 years ago while visiting Northern Wisconsin. I was reminded of it recently as groups imagine what the impact of their work in community could be. “We received a grant and realized we had no clue how to do a mural,” said Susan Martinsen...
What Do You Collect?
Some community connectors I know collect interesting questions. These are the questions that help tap into what we care about. I have a tin box where I keep ticket stubs from memorable events. In this container are stubs for all kinds of events. They are from ...
Growing Community
A few years ago I met two people who were looking for ideas on how to discover the skills, interests, gifts and connections of people on their street. They found and sometimes created opportunities to have conversations with almost everyone on their 4 block lo...
Not So Hidden Gem
One of my favourite places to visit when I am back in Cincinnati is Sebastians. Sebastian’s Greek Restaurant is a tiny Greek diner on a busy corner that overflows with hospitality. The food is amazingly delicious and Alex the owner always treats you like...
Sweet Neighbourhood Doughnuts
The doughnuts were works of art in the display case. There were so many colours and creative names to go with the colourful masterpieces. You couldn’t just walk by without going in, right. After checking out all of them, I ordered a Strawberry Cheesecake...
A What??!!!
If you were doing an asset map of my neighbourhood this “car tarp wheely board jungle gym” would have to be in it. It brings together so many amazing gifts in the community. What is a car tarp wheely board jungle gym? Well here you can find artists...
Pack Tracking
When I was a kid I loved to collect baseball cards. There was such excitement when I was able to get a new pack of cards. Inside of the waxy wrapper were 14 cards and a flat piece of hard, okay maybe stale bubble gum. It was always a surprise to see who woul...
A Day of Hope
For baseball fans Opening Day is kind of like our Christmas. Some of us count the days until spring training starts. Then all eyes are on Opening Day. It is a day of hope and community, each team and city looking forward to the new season and what it may bring...
Revealing Connections of Interest
What do Mookie (Do The Right Thing movie), Kilgore Trout (Kurt Vonnegut novels), Bluto Blutarsky (Animal House movie), Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain), Quenton Casssidy (Once A Runner novel) and Lt. John J. Dunbar (Dances With Wolves movie) all have in common? T...